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Home News Abia Governor Otti Bans Commercial Motorcycles in Umuahia, Aba and Ohafia Metropolises from August 1

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Abia Governor Otti Bans Commercial Motorcycles in Umuahia, Aba and Ohafia Metropolises from August 1

West Africa WeeklyJune 23, 20262 Mins read313

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has banned the operation of commercial motorcycles, commonly known as okada, and tricycles in the state’s three major metropolitan areas of Umuahia, Aba and Ohafia, effective August 1.

The directive was announced by the Secretary to the State Government, Kenneth Kalu, after this week’s State Executive Council meeting chaired by Otti. Kalu said the ban is necessary to curb crime and reduce road accidents, stressing that the use of motorcycles and tricycles for commercial purposes in the cities has become a source of concern for the state government.

“The government has noted with dismay the rising spate of crime and criminality aided by the use of motorcycles, as well as the frequent road accidents, maiming and deaths involving the operators and their passengers,” Kalu stated.

Under the new regulations, okada and tricycle operators are barred from operating in Umuahia, the state capital, Aba, the commercial nerve centre, and Ohafia. The ban applies to all the wards in Aba South and Aba North local government areas, but excludes all other local government areas within the metropolis.

Kalu added that the use of motorcycles by residents for personal use is allowed, but warned that such motorcycles must not be painted in the colours associated with commercial operators. Riders must also be registered with the state government and must wear crash helmets, which passengers are also required to wear.

The ban, which takes effect on August 1, is part of the government’s broader security and urban management strategy. The Abia State Police Command has expressed readiness to enforce the directive. Police Commissioner Danjuma Aboki said the command would cooperate with the state government in ensuring full compliance.

In addition to the motorcycle ban, the government is finalising plans for the launch of a city bus fleet across the state. Kalu said the fleet of 1,000 buses and another 1,000 Compressed Natural Gas-powered tricycles will be deployed to provide alternative transportation for residents.

The move places Abia among several Nigerian states that have imposed similar restrictions on commercial motorcycles in major cities. Lagos, Kano, Rivers, Katsina and Borno states have all taken measures to limit or ban okada operations, citing security and traffic concerns. The ban also comes amid a broader West African trend of restricting motorcycle taxis due to rising insecurity linked to their use by criminal networks and insurgents.