Abraham Amaliba, Acting Director-General of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), has revealed that District and Metropolitan Assemblies will be tasked with designating areas as ‘Okada’ stations once rider operations are legalized.
Abraham Amaliba outlined several measures the government plans to implement if Parliament approves the legalization of ‘Okada’. He stated that riders will be issued special number plates and licenses after registration. Additionally, a specific uniform and reflectors will be provided for easy identification, and the NRSA will conduct road safety education to prevent reckless riding.
He explained, “Riders will be given uniforms for identification, reflectors, and prescribed helmets. Passengers will also wear the same helmets. The DVLA will issue special number plates and licenses, and the police will enforce the law.” Amaliba shared these details during an interview on Sunday, March 23.
Abraham Amaliba also revealed that the government plans to introduce speed limit devices and trackers in motorcycles to monitor their movements once ‘Okada’ operations are legalized.
Abraham Amaliba further explained that a computer system will track the movement of each motorcycle, providing real-time monitoring. He emphasized that under the legalization, ‘Okada’ riders will be required to join a union before registering, ensuring easier identification of any criminal activities linked to riders.
“We will organize them into unions. Individual riders won’t be able to walk into offices to register on their own. They must be part of a union with executives, so if they engage in illegal activities, we can go to the union to locate and hold them accountable. Things are going to change,” Amaliba stated.
The Transport Minister has established a 13-member committee to review Section 128 (1), (2), and (3) of the Road Traffic Regulations 2012 (L.I. 2180) in order to facilitate the legalization and commercialization of motorcycles and tricycles.
After conducting the review, the 13-member committee established by the Transport Minister will submit its findings and recommendations to Parliament for further consideration and approval. This process aims to ensure the proper legalization and regulation of motorcycles and tricycles for commercial use.
