In a significant move to enhance road safety and streamline transportation, the Federal Ministry of Works has imposed a ban on commercial motorcycles, known as 'okadas', and tricycles, or 'keke marwa', along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. This decision, announced on June 29, 2026, reflects ongoing concerns about rising accidents and congestion on one of the nation’s busiest corridors.
The highway, vital for economic activities and connectivity, has seen increasing traffic incidents attributed to the unregulated operations of these vehicles. Stakeholders have long criticized the lack of enforcement of existing regulations. "We must prioritize the safety of all road users and ensure a more efficient transport system," stated Engr. Abubakar Muhammad, Director of Road Safety at the Ministry.
While the ban is intended to facilitate smoother traffic flow and reduce accidents, it raises questions about the livelihoods of thousands who depend on these modes of transport. As authorities implement this policy, the challenge will be to provide alternative transport solutions for affected communities, ensuring that safety does not come at the cost of economic hardship. The coming months will reveal the effectiveness of this measure in achieving a safer highway.