The Lagos State Government has come out to warn traffic offenders and erring motorcycle operators in the state.

The Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde recently had his say at a news conference in Ikeja on traffic rules violation.

According to him, the Transport Sector Reform Law (TSRL) 2018, which restricts the operations of the commercial motorcycle riders, popularly known Okada riders, and driving against traffic must be respected at all times in Lagos.

He added that Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu will keep demonstrating his commitment to guaranteeing smoother roads and promoting better traffic flow in Lagos State.

His words, “In spite of all the efforts of Mr Governor to reform our transport sector, it is therefore disheartening to note a lot of our people are still going against the extant law of the state on transport operation and safe driving on our roads and in our communities.

“The State Government prioritises the safety and security of the people. As a government, we cannot continue to watch this lawlessness develop into an uncontrollable situation.

“I say the game is over because in the last few months, we have witnessed a lot of security and safety challenges, apparently as a result of the activities of unscrupulous Okada riders.

“These operators do not only violate the provisions of the Transport Sector Reform Law of Lagos State, 2018 with respect to restriction of areas of operations, but perpetrate crime using their motorcycles.”

“In line with this administration’s plan to build Lagos that works for all, we are determined to continue to engage with the various transport unions and associations of tricycle and Okada operators, to ensure their members cooperate with us in the process of ensuring public safety by abiding with the TSRL 2018 at all times.

“With the upsurge in the number of commercial motorcycle operators, we shall intensify our enforcement strategy. This we intend to carry out along with the various transport union leaders.

“We will set up a joint enforcement team to ensure that our roads are sanitised from the menace of Okada riders.

“We hereby direct all Law Enforcement Agencies; Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS), Task Force and the Nigeria Police to immediately and continuously embark on enforcement on all restricted routes.”