The Lagos State Government has entered into partnership with SIITECH Consulting Limited to begin the digital registration of Motorcycles (Okada) and Tricycles (Keke Maruwa) operating in the State, in order to stem down the surge of threat to lives and property in the areas where activities of commercial motorcycles popularly known as okada has not been restricted and banned.
The information was made available through a press release, stating that Engr. Abdulhafiz Toriola, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, made it known at the launch of the digital application organised for Motorcycle and Tricycle Unions in the State at Gbagada, explaining that the move should not be seen as authentication of motorcycles as a viable means of commercial passenger transportation.
The release further state that Toriola who was represented by the Director Transport Operations in the Ministry of Transportation, Engr. Olasunkanmi Ojowuro emphasized that the importance and impact of the digital registration is to enhance the security and safety of lives and property through thorough regulation and efficiency capacity for operators and the community, hence the engagement of Messrs. SIITECH.
Explaining the digital capturing process, the Permanent Secretary stated that all important information will be properly documented and accessible to relevant Stakeholders, which he says will enable greater transparency in managing and reducing the potential of operators on criminal activities in the State.
The Permanent Secretary therefore urged motorcycle and tricycle operators to cooperate with SIITECH and other relevant authorities to ensure seamless running of the process at the designated centers in the Local Government Areas not yet covered by the ban.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Lagos State Parks and Garages Committee (LASPG), Comrade Musiliu Akinsanya assured that the State Government will always support processes that will enhance safety and security in the State.
Akinsanya who was represented by the State Secretary of LASPG Comrade Lemboye Olayiwola urged its members to make themselves available in areas covered by the registration, for a smooth process, which he said will be done at zonal levels. He noted that the Committee will continue to enlighten and educate its members on the need to key into the initiative, the release further revealed.
Representative of SIITECH Mr. Tijani Pekis reiterated that digital registration of operators is the way to go while soliciting the cooperation of operators. He added that the process will help solve the problem of mushroom operator springing up rapidly in the State.
Also present at the Stakeholders engagement meeting are the Lagos State Chairmen of Tricycle and Motorcycle Operators, Alhaji Kamoli Bakare and Mr. Azeez Owosheni respectively.
It will be recalled that the Lagos State Government had banned operations of commercial motorcycles in 10 Local Government Areas, (LGAs) and 15 Local Council Development Areas, (LCDAs) in the State which still persists.
