Nigeria’s Motorcycle Ban

Last month we reported that Lagos City Council had banned motorcycles and tuk-tuks (popularly known as “okada” and “keke napep”) from the main axis of the city. As the COVID-19 stop to normal business starts in Nigeria, motorbike hailing companies were looking at alternative forms of transport. The city has experienced widespread disruption following its recent ban which went into effect on February 1 and prohibits drivers of those vehicles from using a number of routes in the city. Commuters have been left stranded, struggling with fare hikes, and getting onto packed public transport. Ecommerce fulfilment has become much slower and more expensive. Drivers also have had to contend with the loss of income following the ban. Economic analyst Nonso Obikili, of the Turgot Centre for Economics and Policy Research says the ban will diminish investor confidence in the Lagos, particularly as the government had previously encouraged these companies to invest millions of dollars in technology and manpower in the city.