Okada, Keke NAPEP Operators In Lafia Risk Jail Terms As Councilors Pass Bill

A bill to regulate the operations of commercial motorcycles (Okada) and tricycles (Keke NAPEP) in Lafia Local Government Area of Nasarawa State or risk jail term has been passed by the area's Legislative Arm. 

The Speaker of the House, Philibus Yohanna Attah announced the passage of the bill on Tuesday during plenary in Lafia for the assent of the Chairman, Aminu Mu'azu Maifata, into bye-law. 

According to the bill as sponsored by Egga Lucky Obele (APC, Bakin Rijiya/Akurba), operators must be registered and licensed to operate in the Area. 

“The operators must wear a reflective jacket. 

“A motorcycle must not carry more than one passenger and tricycle operator must not carry more than four passengers. 

“The operators of both motorcycle and tricycle must obey traffic rules. 

“The motorcycle and tricycle must be road worthy,” the Speaker said. 

Attah warned that if assented into bye-law, violators shall be punished by the appropriate authority. 

“Violation of this Bye law shall attract a fine of ₦‎7,000 or one month in prison.

“Operating a motorcycle that is not road worthy shall attract a fine of ₦‎3,000 or two weeks in prison.

“Operating a tricycle that is not road worthy, shall attract a fine of ₦‎5,000 or three weeks in prison.

“Operating an unregistered motorcycle shall attract a fine of ₦‎5,000 or one month in prison.

“Operating an unregistered tricycle will attract a fine of ₦‎10,000 or two months in prison.

“In the event of accident and as the results of the Operator's carelessness, the tricycle owner shall bear the cost of treatment for the passengers,” he added.