Motorcycle Riders To Pay Taxes, Wear Uniforms In Kwara State

The Kwara State Government has announced its plans to introduce a single uniform for all commercial motorcyclists operating in the state for the sake of checking security breaches in the state.

The state Commissioner for Works, Suleiman Rotimi, also stated that the motorcycle riders would now pay road tax to the government, adding that the measure was as a result of Lagos State's ban on motorcycles in some parts of the state. 

Rotimi emphasised that the umbrella body of Okada riders in the state would be issued identification cards with bar code and new single uniforms as well as stickers to enhance easy identification and planning.

The statement added, “Rotimi mentioned that as part of strategies to improve security, a census of all joint Okada riders would be conducted and population of registered Okada riders would be ascertained.

“Equally, the commissioner stressed the need for road tax payment and urged the riders to fashion out a realistic amount and mode of collection.”

Rotimi assured them of government’s readiness to collaborate with financial institutions to facilitate social investment scheme in form of loan that would further boost the transport business in the state.

Responding, the President of joint Okada Union, Mr Ajewole Gabriel, thanked the commissioner for the warm reception accorded them and expressed the union’s readiness to abide by the single uniform, road tax payment.

Ajewole also urged the ministry to check the influx of illegal motorcycle operators in Tanke Oke-Odo and other areas of the state to prevent security breaches.