* Keke NAPEP
While Lagosians are trying to get used to the absence of motorcycles (Okada) on major roads and resolving to the use of tricycles, there is a possibility that the available alternative might also be thwarted.
Recently, the Association of Tricycle Riders in Lagos disclosed that the Lagos State government has proposed a total ban on tricycles in all Lagos roads like it did to Okada in 2012.
While some have described the government move as the right step in the right direction, others have continued to cry out over the proposed ban on tricycles.
In 2013, the Lagos State Government had put a stop to the movement of Keke Napep around Alausa, Ogba , Awolowo road, Awolowo way and other major roads around Ikeja, stating that they have reached an amicable agreement with the tricycle union on the ground to “protect the lives and properties of the state”.
An official of the association, Mr Jamiu Olaopa said the initial agreement that was made with the government, was keep the tricycles away from parts of the major roads especially those that linked to the State Secretariat in Alausa.
Adding that it was agreed that they can operate on other road diversions and links within the area and the association ensured that the restrictions was obeyed to the latter.
Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Kayode Opeifa, was also quoted to have said, after the ban of bicycle, that “ tricycles can run as an alternative to Okada for those who are regular bike transporters”.
The news to ban the tricycle completely, however, came as a shock to the association considering that the same commissioner had stated during a Press Briefing held in Alausa recently that “the state government had held several meetings with the unions on the development, and “they have agreed to stay away from all roads.”
A Keke Napep rider, who pleaded to be anonymous, expressed his agony on the proposed ban on tricycles, saying that he only recently sold his motorcycle and added a loan he got from a corporative to purchase his Keke,
"How do they want me to feed my family of four and a sick mother," he queried.
Mr Paul Ekeh, a retiree, also expressed his displeasure over the proposal, adding that he has just used his gratuity to purchase a tricycle.
"I have two children in the tertiary institution who I sponsor with the income I making from the Keke.
" I don't see why the government is thinking of banning our operation because Keke riders are responsible people and we pay our taxes to the government," Ekeh said.
Mr Odion Osemudhaimmhen, a business man who is a regular commuter of Keke Napep, said the advantage of the tricycle over taxi and buses cannot be over-emphasized.
He identified the flexibility of the device to move around narrowed places that regular buses can’t move as one of the reasons people prefer to move on tricycles.
"Keke Napep is cheaper as a means of transportation to other available ones that the government is recommending and it can take you through narrow roads that other vehicles would not dare," he said.
Nevertheless, AJoke Ogundimu, 32, opined that the rampant robbery incident accustomed to tricycle transportation is one of the reasons government should ban their operation.
She said: "I was once robbed while I was in a Keke Napep. Some group of people ran towards the tricycle I boarded and snatched my purse and the phone of the a commuter sitting close to me.
"Robbery is easy to carry out on tricycles due to the porous structure of the Keke and I would advise the state government to enforce a total ban of tricycles from all roads."
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