Economy: Nigerian lawmakers move to stop proposed ban of commercial motorcycles

*The Federal lawmakers have observed the proposed ban on motorcycles will render millions of Nigerians jobless, which could be disastrous for a country still grappling with unemployment and poverty

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

Legislators in the House of Representatives, in the National Assembly (NASS), Abuja, FCT, have stepped down a motion to halt the Federal Government’s proposed nationwide ban of operations of commercial motorcycles, otherwise known in local parlance as ‘Okada’ in the Nigerian economy.

The motion, sponsored by Hon. Abubakar Yallemen from Jigawa State, prayed the House to urge the Nigerian Government to stop the proposed nationwide ban.

The Nigerian House of Representives in a plenary

ConsumerConnect reports the motion called for adequate palliative measures before such decisions are implemented in order to prevent loss of livelihood of several Nigerians doing the ‘Okada’ business.

The Federal legislators also said that such outright ban should be restricted to local government areas where mining and terrorist activities occur around the country.

Yallemen, presenting the motion on the Floor of the House of Representatives, stated that the proposed ban would render millions of Nigerians jobless, which could be catastrophic for a nation grappling with unemployment and poverty.

While banning commercial motorcycle operations as a means of curtailing security challenges, the welfare and wellbeing of the citizenry should be considered foremost, said he.

The lawmaker further noted the security and welfare of the people should be the primary purpose of government as provided in Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution.

However, after a brief consultation with the sponsor, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Ahmed Wase, stressed the need for the parliament to support the Federal Government in combating insecurity.

Hon. Wase said: “We appreciate what our brother has brought, and our appeal to government is, as it implements this policy or if it is going to implement, it should look at those areas that are not vulnerable.

“Most of us; 90 percent of community if not to 99 percent, this is the only means of transportation.”

He also stated: “So we appreciate this motion but in line with our principles to help curb the incessant insecurity in our country, we have to cooperate with government.

“You cannot imagine what is happening today in Abuja, I will be frank with you, I went through DSS (Department of State Services) report, 44 reports were given before the attack of Kuje; I want to confirm to you, I read through all the reports.”

Wase added: “It has to do with this, there is no community that an attack will happen that you will not have an intelligence, and this is part of the intelligence they have given as to what will happen.

“I want us to cooperate with the government and step down this motion.”

Yallemen, nonetheless responded, that having listened to the Presiding Officer, the bill should be stepped down for further legislative consultations.

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