Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Abia State Government has announced a total ban on the operation of commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada, within the metropolitan areas of Umuahia, Aba, and Ohafia, effective Monday, June 22, 2026. The decision, approved by Governor Alex Otti, was contained in a statement issued on Saturday, June 20, by the State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu.
According to the government, the policy is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security, enhance public safety, improve traffic management, and promote a more organised transportation system across the affected urban centres. The statement directed all commercial motorcycle operators to cease operations within the designated metropolitan areas on or before the effective date. Security agencies and relevant enforcement authorities have been mandated to ensure strict compliance with the directive.
The government warned that any individual or operator found violating the order would be arrested, while the motorcycle involved would be confiscated in accordance with the law. “The policy forms part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen security, enhance public safety, improve traffic management, and promote a more organized transportation system across the affected urban centres,” the statement noted.
The government appealed to residents, transport operators, community leaders, and members of the public to cooperate fully with authorities in the implementation of the directive, describing it as a step toward advancing the collective safety and development of the state.
The ban comes amid growing security concerns across the South‑East, where commercial motorcycles have been linked to rising incidents of kidnapping, armed robbery, and other violent crimes. The decision also follows a pattern of similar restrictions in other states. In Lagos, commercial motorcycles have been banned from six local government areas and several highways since 2020. Earlier this month, the Badagry Local Government Area in Lagos restricted Okada operations to between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. to curb night‑time criminal activities.
This is not the first time the Abia State Government has imposed restrictions on commercial motorcycles. In July 2024, the government restricted the operation of tricycles and motorcycles to between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. in Aba and Umuahia. However, the latest directive marks a total ban on Okada operations in the three major cities, signalling a more aggressive approach to addressing security and traffic challenges.
The ban has drawn mixed reactions from residents and transport operators. While some have welcomed the move as a necessary step to curb crime and reduce traffic congestion, others have expressed concern over the potential loss of livelihoods for thousands of commercial motorcycle riders who depend on the trade for survival. The government has not announced any alternative livelihood programmes for affected operators.
As of Sunday, June 21, no official statement had been issued by the leadership of the commercial motorcycle unions in the state. However, residents and transport operators have been advised to take immediate note of the directive and comply accordingly to avoid sanctions.
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