The government of Cross River State has prohibited commercial motorcyclists, popularly known as okada, from operating in the Calabar metropolis.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the governor’s chief press secretary, Emmanuel Ogbeche, stated that the decision is intended to create a safe and secure Cross River.

Ogbeche added that anyone caught breaking the directive will face prosecution.

The statement read, “His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Otu, after due consultation with key security chiefs in the state, has directed as follows: A total ban on the activities of all commercial motorcyclists within the Calabar metropolis,”

“Those willing to use their motorcycles to earn a decent living are restricted only to remote areas away from the city centre.

“Anyone caught going against this directive will have the motorcycle impounded and the offender prosecuted.”

The state government also warned individuals who vandalise public facilities such as street lights, lamp posts, and traffic lights to stop immediately, and those who break the regulation will be punished.

Other state governments have also restricted the operations of commercial motorcyclists to the outskirts of capital cities.

In May 2022, the Lagos state government announced a “complete ban” on commercial motorcyclists in six local government areas in the state, including Ikeja, Surulere, Eti Osa, Lagos Mainland, Lagos Island, and Apapa.