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Okada De for London Too By Abubakar Adamu, MSc (UK)
Nigeria is now a changing society and fast progressing but its development sustainability unsure, because the development and progress are not planned properly or systematically. In this brief piece, I want to communicate my observations and commentary on operations of Passenger Motorcycle rides in Nigeria commonly and variously nicknamed as “Okada”, “Going”, “Achaba”, “Machine” or any local connotation may apply. Okada has now become an integral part of Nigeria transportation system. Therefore, the Federal and States government should incorporate Okada operation into their transport policy.
The main purpose and function of passenger transport system is to move people from one place to another. An Okada operation fulfils vital function of people mobility in Nigeria and filling a “logistics gaps” the governments has failed to fill. Okada operator caters for fast movements and cheap per drop (passenger alight) than commercial taxis or other private rides. In my opinion, there are too much negative comments and comical insults on operations of Okada and their vital contribution to people’s mobility. Some of the criticisms are in order, particularly the bad driving ability of most Okada drivers and their crazy dress codes of wearing winter clothing and hats in a very hot African sunshine climate. However, the driving crazies and total lack of obeying traffic codes and careless observation of safety rules are no different to other so-called ‘normal drivers’ on Nigeria roads. I was once thrown off my Motor-cycle (Vespa) by a young ‘educated’ driver who was trying to impress his girlfriend with his poor driving skills. I am yet to hear or read a solution to the nuisance of Okada drivers.
We can combat bad driving skills of Okada drivers and enjoy their benefits. I suggest the following ideas and open to debate: -
The various governments must investigate and consult all stakeholders in transportation and incorporate “Okada” into the nation transport policy. Okada is a catalyst for accessibility and affordability to many Nigerians and we cannot easily wish them away. The governments should have a vision and policy to allow and give its citizen’s opportunity and choice of freedom of movements safely and at affordable price. The “Big-men/women” can afford a comfortable rides in their luxurious cars but the poor should also have access to cheap travels and choice between other commercial vehicles and Okada too.
Organisations like DHL, UPS, FEDEX and others Courier Services operates on the principles of ‘adaptability’ to local environment. In a desert, these companies will use Camel to deliver a customer parcel; in riverside or waterway areas, a Canoe may be use or in Icy place, a dog-drawn sledge may be use to deliver parcel or message. Okada people are adapting to local demand as the governments and private enterprises failing to meet Nigerians travel demands.
In London and some other major cities in the United Kingdom (UK) “Okada” (despatch riders) are in operation for delivery or getting a reporter to an incidence where their may be traffic congestion or inaccessible areas. In Paris (capital of France) bicycles are in use to easy traffic congestions. We need combination of transport modes to meet travel demand and easy ‘hold-ups’ (congestion).
The disbandment of Okada operation in Abuja was done in haste and harsh without proper investigation and consultations. There is a general consensus that most Okada drivers are nuisance but their benefits to the financially disadvantaged people are greater than their evil tendency. Nigerians should aim to take freedom of movements for granted and a human right demand. Visiting my family and friends is choice between transports I can afford.
God Bless Nigeria.
Abubakar Adamu is a Transport Logistician and a Freelance Researcher/Writer.
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