Oyo Govt To Ban Okada Riders Without ‘QR Code Jackets’ From Operating On Roads

Oyo State Government has threatened to prosecute Okada riders who operations across the state without QR code-embedded jackets.

This is in response to growing concerns over criminal activities involving unidentified commercial motorcycle riders.

In a statement on Saturday, the Chairman of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), Adekoya Adesagba, said that all Okada rider must now wear the jackets with QR codes.

Adesagba warned that anyone caught operating without the approved jacket will face prosecution and be banned from the roads.

He urged residents to only use riders who wear the jackets, which allow for real-time identity verification and help improve safety for passengers.

The chairman said, “A kidnapping attempt was foiled after locals reported suspicious riders without QR jackets on the UI-Agbowo Axis.

“OYRTMA urges residents to patronise only Okada riders with these official jackets. The benefits include real-time rider verification, crime prevention, emergency tracking, and increased passenger trust.

“Daily raids and impoundment of non-compliant motorcycles. Fines and possible prosecution for violators

“The government assures that this policy is for the safety of all residents, and defaulters will be barred from operating on the state roads,” he insisted.

Adesagba said daily patrols will target non-compliant riders, with fines and possible legal action for anyone who breaks the rules.

The chairman said the directive, reinforced by the Office of the Governor through the Senior Special Assistant on ICT & E-Governance, Adebayo Akande mandated “OYRTMA to intensify enforcement and public awareness campaigns to ensure compliance.

“The policy, introduced in November 2023, requires Okada and tricycle operators to register under the State Residents’ Registration Scheme.

“Despite initial provisions of these free jackets, compliance has remained low, emboldening criminals, and leading to increased Okada-related crimes,” he added.

KanyiDaily recalls that the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) also ordered all commercial motorcyclists, popularly known as Okada riders, to obtain a licence to operate within the metropolis.