…targets okada ban, illegal parking, street trading as ministry vows safer roads

The Lagos State Government has intensified enforcement of traffic regulations on the Island, confiscating 70 commercial motorcycles during a routine clean-up operation aimed at improving road safety and easing traffic flow.

The exercise was carried out on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, by the Ministry of Transportation across several restricted routes, including Falomo Underbridge, Marina, Coastal Road, Ajah Roundabout, Ogombo, Igboefon, Abraham Adesanya Junction and 2nd Rainbow.

The development was contained in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, which noted that the operation commenced at 9:30am as part of the state’s ongoing drive for safer and more orderly roads.

According to the statement, the enforcement focused on violations such as the highway ban on commercial motorcycles, street trading, illegal parking, use of unapproved bus stops and other activities capable of disrupting public safety and free movement.

The statement reads partly:
“Enforcement focused on the highway ban on commercial motorcycles, street trading, illegal parking, unapproved bus stops, and other activities disrupting public safety.

“Seventy (70) motorcycles were confiscated, restoring calm, order, and free traffic flow.

“All seized motorcycles will be forfeited to the state through the courts in line with the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018.

“The Ministry appreciates public cooperation as it works to keep Lagos moving safely and smoothly.”

Officials said the operation helped restore order and significantly improved traffic conditions along the affected corridors, which are often plagued by congestion caused by indiscriminate parking and illegal motorcycle operations.

The ministry reiterated that enforcement of traffic laws across Lagos would remain consistent, warning that violators of restricted routes and transport regulations would continue to face sanctions as prescribed by law.

The Lagos State Government has repeatedly maintained that sustained enforcement is critical to reducing accidents, improving mobility and ensuring the safety of road users, particularly on major highways and commercial routes.