Despite the rehabilitation of the Mile 2 – Tin Can port access road and the elimination of the perennial gridlock that once justified the presence of commercial motorcycles (popularly known as Okada), checks by Shipping Position Daily have revealed that these commercial motorcycles remain a persistent feature on the ever-busy highway, raising fresh concerns about law enforcement and public safety.
Our correspondent who took a tour of the port corridor last week observed a heavy presence of commercial motorcycles, with hundreds operating freely from the Mile 2 Bridge inwards Sun Rise, Kirikiri, Tin Can, Apapa and surroundings.
This is in spite of repeated raids by men of the Lagos State Task Force, which have seen scores of bikes confiscated during operations. However, the motorcycles often return within hours, with sources alleging that some riders “bail” their bikes out from the task force with money and resume operations as usual.
Speaking with Shipping Position Daily on the issue, the National Secretary of Association of Registered Freight Forwarders (AREFFN), Mr. Frank Obiekezie decried the continued presence of “Okada” on the expressway, despite the ease of movement now achievable along the route, following extensive road rehabilitation works.
Obiekezie acknowledged that motorcycles might still have some relevance within the inner streets of Apapa, where buses cannot reach. However, he criticized the operators for deliberately avoiding such routes in preference for the expressways, suggesting that there may be more to it, than mere transportation.
The AREFFN Scribe further warned about the potential security implications of the Okada menace, particularly during the evening when minimal traffic build-up could create opportunities for hoodlums to operate under the cover of congestion.
Obiekezie however called on the Lagos State Government to intensify enforcement of existing traffic regulations and remove commercial motorcycles (Okada) from major highways leading to Lagos ports, especially along the Mile 2–Tin Can port corridor. He also expressed concern about the criminal elements who may be hiding under the guise of commercial bike operations, particularly during evening hours when minor traffic disruptions still occur.
“In the evening, any small stoppage causes traffic. Then you’ll see a lot of boys appearing from nowhere, and you won’t know their intentions. Some of those who ride Okada during the day could become something else at night.
“Many of us are no longer bothered because, it’s those who choose to use Okada that take the risk. Between Apapa and Mile 2, it shouldn’t take more than 10 to 15 minutes by bus. So why would anyone still opt for a motorcycle ride? The government should clear them (okadas) from the highways.”
On his part, the Tin Can Chapter Public Relations Officer of the Association of Registered Freight Forwarders of Nigeria (APFFLON) Mr Clinton Okoro noted although the road is now motorable, many commuters still patronize Okada due to affordability and the need to save time especially for those working under tight schedules.
Okoro explained that while Okadas remain useful for inner streets within Apapa where buses cannot reach, their presence on the highway is a concern. “Inside Apapa, it’s understandable. But this expressway from Mile 2 to Apapa, that’s what we are against.”
He alleged that corruption among some law enforcement agents is fuelling the persistence of Okada riders on the restricted route. Okoro insisted that if the Police and other security agencies were truly committed to enforcing the ban, the motorcycles would not be operating so openly.
“The task force sometimes carries out raids, but they return. I’m aware that the police occasionally stop them, but end up collecting money. That’s why they keep coming back. If the police and other security agents were serious with what they’re doing, you wouldn’t still see those guys on that road.
“With the new development, access roads to the ports are now free because the road has been repaired. Sometimes, you still see tankers parked, but generally, movement is smooth. However, a bus ride from Mile 2 to Tin Can costs ₦400, while Okada charges ₦300 for two people. For someone in a hurry, the cheaper and faster option is tempting.” Okoro noted.
