Despite the ban on the activities of commercial motorcyclists on some routes in Lagos, some riders have remained adamant, plying and conveying passengers along the prohibited corridor in contravention of the law.

Aside from making all highways and major road prohibited to commercial motorcyclists, the state government has also announced total ban of their operations in some council areas.
Ironically, some army officers and policemen join in flouting the law by riding motorcycles and conveying passengers and commuters in the prohibited routes.

Some of these officers could be seen either in camouflage attire or cap moving passengers from Oshodi to Iyana Ipaja, though some commercial motorcyclists that are not security operatives also pretend to be one by putting on attires with security officers’ emblem.

The Guardian investigations show that there seems to be a gentleman agreement as officers of the Task force operatives saddled with the responsibilities of apprehending those who violate the law often overlook persons with security uniforms or emblems.

So, across many locations, commercial motorcyclists have returned in full force. For instance, in Iyana Ipaja, especially during peak hours, there is usually a beehive of commercial motor-cycle operators.

The Guardian checks reveal that many commuters prefer to board commercial motorcycles, because of the bad road from Oke-Odo, Abule Egba to Sango, which often make commuting in that corridor problematic, as a result of the perennial traffic jam.

It is same scenario along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, commercial motorcyclist flocking major bus stops on that route to pick passengers.

From Toyota to Five Star, Iyana Isolo, Cele, Coker, Second Rainbow to Mile 2, commercial motorcyclists are always available in a pool scouting for passengers.   The admission that they are operating under illegal condition is conspicuous as they sometimes are in a hurry to pick any passenger that is ready to move.

A civil servant, Asikoko Are, who is conversant with the Oshodi – Iyana Ipaja corridor, said that government has actually done well by banning commercial motorcycle operators on some major roads owing to reckless riding that most times put the commuters in danger.

“There can be no justification for motorcycle operators taking laws into their hands, kicking against government order on this matter. Everybody knows the implication of what those reckless motorcycle riders are doing on the express road which is enough for the government to ban them.

“A large number of people have become accident victims in the hands of rough motorcycle riders with many of them having their legs amputated at Orthopaedic hospital, Igbobi.   Pathetic stories on this abound.  I can remember Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola when he was the governor of Lagos State clamping down on motorcycle operators owing to incessant accidents on the road.

“Definitely, no government would fold its arms to allow the atrocities of these riders unchecked. To make matters worse, motorcycle operators do not obtain riders license.  Anybody could just wake up and as soon as he is in the custody of one motorcycle, he jumps on it and straight to the road and begins to ferry passengers.  No checks and balance.

“Another angle to it is that many boys come from other states because of the economic situation and security challenges in the country, who do not have any other business other than riding motorcycles.  It is quite evident they dominate the sector.  The government is therefore doing what it should do by ensuring ban of motorcycle riders on some major highways.

“On the part of the riders, one can hinge their indefensible insistence on the fact that there is no job as most of those into the business found themselves there to keep body and soul together as well as taking care of their families.  There is no gainsaying that there are graduates among them.

“One can also premise the commuters’ continual patronage to the incessant traffic in the evenings occasioned in some areas by bad roads.  For example, the state of the road to Sango, the area of their concentration has left much to be desired.  The road is terribly bad.  Only one arm of the dual carriage road is under construction which is the one coming from the toll gate to Oshodi.  The one going to Sango from Oshodi remains a shadow of what the road was when it was first constructed.”

When the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Gbenga Omotosho, was contacted for his comment, he said the government is aware of the problem and is tackling it with passion.

“As I am speaking with you, members of the task force on motorcycle operators are out, arresting those operating on those roads that are supposed to be major highways.

“Last few days, they arrested over 300 motorcycle riders.  The question, however, that those embracing sanity and efficiency should answer is how are these motorcycle riders coming in.
“To arrest 300 motorcycle riders in one day speaks volume and it is mind boggling. The question again is: ‘What is actually going on in Lagos these days?’
This is the question everyone should answer as to where they are coming from and whether they have good motive.

“I usually tell people that Lagos is a victim of its success.  Those that have security challenges in their states now see Lagos as their own ‘El dorado’ or ‘Canaan land’.  Everybody comes to Lagos for golden fleece or greener pastures.
“All those who have been driven from their farms by bandits now come to Lagos and the only job they take up is that of riding motorcycle.”However, we will not give up.”

Concerning those in military and police uniforms among them, he said the matter has been discussed several times with both the military and police authorities.

“I think that the leadership of the military and the police are doing what should be done, telling their men not to flout the law.  They should not ride motorcycle where they are not supposed to because they are either military or police officers.  No one is above the law.  We will continue to talk to them,” the commissioner said.