Amaechi warns Governors against ban on okada

Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi has warned that a nationwide ban on motorcycles and tricycles will have an adverse effect on the country’s economy.

Amaechi stated this while speaking at the celebration of the national day of Amalgamated Commercial Tricycle and Motorcycle Owners, Repairers and Riders Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN) in Abuja on Tuesday.

The former Rivers Governor, however, advised riders to get trained, so they could reduce their recklessness.
“I don’t think we should ban Okada because if we do, it will affect the economy; they only need to be trained to obey rules and regulations.
“The issue of security, safety and regulation should be dealt with at the state level; state governments should train Okada riders.
“We know you play a vital role in the economy: Not all buses, taxis can access our roads for agricultural purposes; a lot of Nigerians depend on you because your services are cheap.

“The economy cannot only grow through white collar jobs; everybody doesn’t need to depend on government and what you have done is to be self-employed to feed yourselves,” the Minister said.
He warned that a nationwide ban on motorcycles and tricycles would have an adverse effect on the country’s economy.