The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has ordered all operators of commercial motorcycles (a.k.a Okada) to get permits in order to operate within the Abuja metropolis.
The director in charge of the Directorate of the Road Transport Service (DRTS) of the FCTA, Dr Bello Abdullateef, stated this during the weekly ministerial briefing organised by the Presidential Communication Team at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Abdullateef said a total ban on Okada riders has been suggested and it is under consideration, so it has become imperative for the operators to be registered as most of them have been involved in different criminal activities, such as the peddling of hard drugs, robbery, and riots.
"The menace arising from many Okada riders is not just about traffic violations but also perpetration of crimes. Okadas are also used to deliver hard drugs across the city.
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"It requires a multi-sectoral approach to deal with the menace. We are introducing riders certification for those using okada for dispatch activities.
"Therefore, until you are verified by the directorate of road transport service you may not be able to ride a bike across Abuja. We are remodeling the licensing and regulations as well.
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"These would be carried out to dissuade the use of Okada. A total ban has been suggested but it is still being considered. Some of the contiguous states are already banning it. And if we don't ban it, FCT will be a dumping ground in a few years." Abdullateef noted.
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