The Oyo State Government has begun strict enforcement of its QR code jacket policy for commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as Okada riders, in a bid to tackle rising insecurity linked to unregistered operators across the state.

In a statement released on Saturday, Major Adekoya Adesagba (rtd.), Chairman of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), said the enforcement drive has been intensified following a surge in criminal activities involving untraceable commercial riders.

According to him, the directive is being reinforced by the Office of the Governor through the Senior Special Assistant on ICT and E-Governance, Mr. Adebayo Akande, who has mandated OYRTMA to scale up both enforcement and public awareness.

“The government will intensify enforcement and public awareness campaigns to ensure compliance,” Adesagba stated. “Despite the initial provision of free QR code jackets, many riders have refused to comply, giving criminals an opportunity to impersonate commercial operators.”

He recalled recent cases that highlighted the urgency of the situation, including an armed robbery at Bodija Market where bandits escaped on an unmarked motorcycle after dispossessing a trader at gunpoint. In another instance, a passenger was robbed by a fake Okada rider around the Challenge area.

“A kidnapping attempt was foiled after locals reported suspicious riders without QR code jackets on the UI-Agbowo Axis,” Adesagba added.

Real-Time Safety, Verification, and Control

The QR code jacket initiative, introduced in November 2023 under the State Residents’ Registration Scheme, allows for real-time rider verification. It is also designed to boost public safety, facilitate emergency tracking, and foster trust between commuters and transport operators.

Authorities say the jackets are digitally linked to a database of registered riders, ensuring that each operator can be verified on the spot by passengers or security personnel.

New Enforcement Measures

OYRTMA has now rolled out a set of robust measures to drive compliance, including:

Daily raids and impoundment of motorcycles without QR code jackets

Fines and possible prosecution for violators

Joint enforcement with security agencies to ensure full state coverage

In a public appeal, OYRTMA urged residents to cooperate with the initiative for their safety and security. The agency encouraged commuters to patronize only operators wearing the official QR code jackets and to promote awareness using the hashtag #NoBarcodeNoRide across social media platforms.

Oyo Government Reiterates Commitment to Public Safety

Prince Dotun Oyelade, the State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, endorsed the enforcement campaign, stressing that it aligns with the state’s commitment to securing lives and property.

“The government assures that this policy is for the safety of all residents, and defaulters will be barred from operating on Oyo State roads,” the commissioner stated in the signed release.

As security concerns grow nationwide, Oyo’s QR code-based approach is gaining attention as a model for digital governance and road traffic safety in Nigeria.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) is facing serious allegations of attempting to cover up the theft of a heavy-duty excavator, reportedly valued at ₦70 million, from its headquarters.

According to reports obtained by The PUNCH, the excavator had been in LASTMA’s custody for over a decade after being impounded. However, the equipment was discovered missing after staff resumed duties following the Sallah holiday.

“That excavator was impounded over 10 years ago,” a source familiar with the matter told journalists on Thursday on condition of anonymity.

“Such vehicles are only removed after proper documentation and approval. But when we returned from the Sallah break, we noticed it was no longer there.”

Further findings revealed that a Private Sector Participant (PSP) operator, who owns a towing vehicle, gained access to LASTMA’s premises with a document allegedly signed by a second suspect.

“We found out that a PSP operator (name withheld) who owns a tow vehicle presented a paper at the gate that was signed by the second suspect,” the source said.

“On seeing the paper, the PSP operator was allowed to take the equipment out of the LASTMA yard.”

It was later uncovered that the excavator had been dismantled and sold as scrap.

While one suspect, reportedly a LASTMA towing contractor, has been arrested, the second individual—believed to have signed the release document—has neither been questioned nor detained.

“It would be wrong to put all the blame on one person when the suspect who approved the theft was not arrested and detained.

We believe he’s being protected by powerful interests within the agency,” the source added.

When contacted for comment, LASTMA spokesperson Taofeek Adebayo introduced an Assistant General Manager (AGM) to journalists. However, both officials refused to provide details.

“What I will say is this: The (LASTMA) management will respond at the appropriate time. In my capacity, I cannot give you any information,” the unnamed AGM told The PUNCH on Thursday.

When pressed, he added: “We will get back to you,” before ending the call. No response was received by press time.

Efforts to reach LASTMA General Manager Bakare Oki-Olalekan were unsuccessful. However, Bolanle Ogunlola, spokesperson for the Lagos State Ministry of Transport, referred inquiries back to the agency.

“I think you should try to speak with the GM of LASTMA. He may have information about it,” Ogunlola stated.

The incident has sparked outrage and calls for greater transparency within Lagos State traffic enforcement agencies, particularly regarding the long-term storage and management of impounded assets.

Credit: The Punch

The Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) has condemned a reckless act of one-way driving by a tricyclist in Ibadan that left a pedestrian, Mr. Oladayo Adisa, with serious injuries.

In a press release issued on Sunday, Major Adekoya Adesagba (rtd.), Chairman of OYRTMA, confirmed that the incident occurred near a petrol station on Thursday while the victim was attempting to cross the road.

“Mr. Adisa was caught off guard and sustained severe injuries due to the carelessness of the tricycle rider,” said Major Adesagba.

“The government will not tolerate this reckless behavior. We will continue to enforce traffic regulations rigorously to ensure the safety of all road users.”

Eyewitnesses stated that the tricyclist drove against traffic at high speed and showed no remorse, even claiming he could not afford to support the injured victim.

Thanks to the swift intervention of the petrol station manager and OYRTMA officers, Mr. Adisa was rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical treatment.

Upon regaining consciousness, Mr. Adisa praised the authorities’ quick response.

“If OYRTMA catches any rider taking one way, they should not release them until they are taken to court,” he declared.

Mr Adisa

Fatal Motorcycle Crash at Mokola

In a separate tragic event at Agbarigo, Mokola in Ibadan, a TVS motorcycle with registration number LUY 306 UT was involved in an accident that claimed one life and left two others injured.

OYRTMA’s emergency team arrived swiftly, transporting the victims to the Oyo State Hospital, Ring Road.

Demonstrating transparency and integrity, OYRTMA officials also recovered and returned a bag containing a significant sum of money to the victim’s family.

Commitment to Road Safety

Major Adesagba applauded the Oyo State Government for its consistent support in improving road safety.

“We appreciate the government’s dedication to protecting lives and property. OYRTMA remains fully committed to supporting these initiatives and ensuring that traffic violators are held accountable,” he said.

He urged all road users to cooperate with traffic officers and adhere strictly to road safety rules.

“Together, through shared responsibility and collaboration, we can make our roads safer for all,” he added.