MR John Osagie (Not his real name) is seen dragging a worn-out box from his bedsit (face me I face you) while his wife sits outside her face contorted with agony.
“Papa Baby, where you una travel go?” a neighbour asks.
“We dy go my village for Ishan.”
“Nur be me and you!” The wife quickly retorts.
But she knew she was only bluffing because, by nighttime, she had joined him in packing. It may be because their house rent was about to expire and there was no money to renew the rent. Or maybe she knew her backyard hairdressing saloon could not fend for her and her four children.
But most of all because her husband’s major source of income, that worn motorcycle caked with the mud from its last ride had been banned from plying the road.
In the capital city of Delta State, a once familiar sound has fallen silent- the revving of motorcycles. A staple of transportation in the region, Okadas as they are locally known, have been banned by the state government in a bid to curb rising crime and enhance security.
According to the State Commissioner for Information, Dr Ifeanyi Osuoza who noted that security reports indicated an alarming surge in criminal activities traced to Okada riders in Oshimili South, Oshimili North, Ika North East, Ika South, Ethiope East, Sapele, Uvwie, and Warri South, the decision was made in the best interest of the greater number of citizens.
However, Osuoza clarified that the ban does not apply to motorbikes used for corporate services, courier services, delivery, security personnel, and surveillance purposes stressing that the State Orientation Bureau will conduct public sensitization campaigns to educate citizens on the affected areas and routes, as well as the exceptions.
The ban has sparked debate among residents, with some hailing it as a necessary evil, while others lament the inconvenience.
Nevertheless, the state government’s concerns about the security risks associated with commercial motorcycles are not without merit. Just last month, on March 18th, a protest by Okada riders in Asaba escalated into violence, leading to the deaths of at least four people and extensive property damage. The riders were demonstrating against the alleged killing of their colleagues by the state task force the day before.
The protest, initially peaceful, turned violent when the police tried to disperse the crowd, sparking clashes between the riders and law enforcement. The police resorted to firing shots to regain control, but tragically, some innocent bystanders were hit and killed by the gunfire.
Regardless, this ban on motorcycles in Delta State is not an isolated incident. In similar bids aimed at reducing the use of motorcycles by criminals and terrorists, states across Nigeria have joined the growing list of regions banning motorcycle operations.
Lagos State, the commercial nerve center of Nigeria, has been at the forefront of the ban, with multiple prohibitions on commercial motorcyclists since 1999. The latest ban, announced in June 2022, affects six local government areas and has been met with mixed reactions. While some residents welcome the move, others fear it will lead to economic hardship and increased insecurity.
In the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), authorities have also banned commercial motorcycles, citing security concerns and traffic violations. The ban has been in place since 2006, with occasional relaxations. Neighbouring states like Kaduna, Kano, and Katsina have also enforced motorcycle bans, attributing their decisions to insecurity and criminal activities.
Governor Adams Oshiomhole, upon his re-election, noted that there was no plan to ban Okada. He mentioned that it was a response to certain deficits in the intra-urban transportation system and a class issue.
However, on the 11th of June 2013, the the Edo state government announced a ban (or restriction) on the activities of commercial motorcycle operators (bike riders) across Egor, Oredo, and Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Areas. The ban was also extended to Oluku and Aduwawa, areas that were not initially listed but are part of the Benin City Metropolis.
The Northern states of Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kebbi have implemented similar measures, with some easing restrictions after relative peace was restored. Plateau State, in north-central Nigeria, prohibited commercial motorcycles in 2010, following a surge in crime.
The Nigerian government is even considering a nationwide ban on motorcycle sales to combat terrorism. The proposed ban aims to disrupt the supply of logistics to terrorist groups, who often use motorcycles.
While the ban has recorded some successes in reducing crime and accidents, its impact on the livelihoods of motorcyclists and commuters cannot be ignored.
Since November 1, 2012, when the first restriction on commercial motorcycle (Okada) transportation took effect in three prime cities of Delta State, namely Asaba, the state capital, Warri and Effurun, the response has been opinionated, depending on who is speaking and his/her perception of the new development.
This recent ban on Okada (motorcycles) in Delta State has sparked mixed reactions from Deltans, with some supporting the move due to safety concerns, while others lament the inconvenience and hardship it has caused.
Speaking with a correspondent of The Pointer, a commercial motorcyclist and father of four in Okpanam town, who identified as Emmanuel said, “This ban is a death sentence for us. How are we supposed to feed our families now?
“I hope the authorities reconsider this decision as banning commercial motorcyclists without adequate alternatives may drive honest earners to desperation and potentially lead to more social issues.”
Commuters were also affected, forced to seek alternative means of transportation.
A Civil Servant and resident of Amacha in Okpanam, Delta State, who preferred to remain anonymous, expressed frustration with the ban, noting that it will cause hardship for residents of areas with roads that are in disrepair.
According to him, “Since the motorcycle ban, I have had to walk for thirty minutes to reach the tricycle bus stop at Okpanam roundabout, a journey that normally takes me five minutes by motorcycle, which costs N300.”
Government should expect some peculiar challenges on this issue. Commercial motorcycles started operating in rural areas where roads are not motorable. Their use for public transportation in urban areas started for the same reason. Behind the parapet of major highways in the cities, there are streets that cannot be plied by vehicles. In the circumstances, how are people to move around?
“While I commend the state government’s efforts to address criminal activities by motorcyclists, the ban is having a significant impact on commuters, particularly those living in areas with poor road conditions that make it difficult for vehicles to access.
“These commuters are forced to walk for extended periods, up to fifty minutes, to reach a tricycle. I urge the government to prioritize road repairs to alleviate the suffering of these commuters,” he said.
For Mrs Rose Okolie, a grains trader, the motorcycle ban had impacted her transportation of goods to the market.
“Since the commercial motorcycle ban, transporting my goods from the depths of Okpanam town to the market has become twice as expensive.
“Hiring a tricycle (Keke) costs more than double what I used to pay for a motorcycle, and to make matters worse, tricycles are not as versatile as motorcycles, which can navigate difficult terrain with ease.
“Additionally, Okada riders were more willing to negotiate prices, but Keke riders are inflexible, and now that they know we have no other options, they’re taking advantage of our desperation,” she said. It is often said that every solution brings a new set of problems, and this situation is no exception.
According to a tricycle rider in Okpanam who refused to be named, many tricycle operators have relocated to the inner city streets, which were previously dominated by Okada riders resulting in a shortage of tricycles on the main roads.
As the rider explained, “Since the motorcycle ban, many keke riders have begun operating in the inner city streets, charging the same fares as the Okada riders used to, but earning four times as much for a short trip.” In all, the general public was divided on the ban. “It’s a good decision,” said a commercial tricycle rider in Asaba who only identified as Joseph. “Okada riders are reckless and cause accidents. Our roads are safer and calmer now.”
According to Blessing Ofili, a resident of Okpanam, “With the ban, the roads are much more peaceful, especially in areas like Midwifery, Redeemed, and Post Office Junction, which used to be chaotic and disorganized due to the presence of Okada parking spots.”
However, others like Mrs Joy Emegha, a businesswoman, disagreed. “The ban is ill-timed and ill-conceived. It will only lead to more hardship for the people.”
As the dust settles, one thing is certain: the motorcycle ban in Delta State, like similar bans in Nigeria, exposes a tough dilemma. While safety is paramount, the livelihoods of many depend on these affordable albeit imperfect means of transportation. The roars of Okadas may be silenced, but the echoes of its effects will likely continue, leaving many like Mr. Osagie with a heavy burden and uncertain future, and commuters with a long way to walk.
