Fashola backs Okada ban, says 'it's not part of Lagos plan'

The minister of works and housing, Babatunde Fashola has backed the ban placed on motorcycles and tricycles in Lagos State popularly known as Keke Napep and Okada ban.

Fashola, a former governor of Lagos State, who spoke during the United Action for Change public lecture on Thursday, stated that means of transportation in the Center of Excellence cannot include motorcycles and tricycles.

He also cited security challenges saying, “if you care about security, you should back your governor on okada ban. As a centre of excellence, okada cannot be part of the plan,” he said.

“I’ve always held this position. Motorcycle has always been a conduit pipe for the opioid crisis among youths. We must act to eliminate anonymity.

“I was robbed in my home, in fact on my bed in 1999. Organised crime is dynamic, criminals are aware that people don’t keep money at homes again now they diversified into kidnapping people for ransom.”

“We must have data to identify people. You have SIM cards on your phone. It’s called subscriber identity module which can be tracked everywhere in the world. The attorney-general of each state and legislators should act.

“In those days, we used to have license for bicycles.”