- Safiu Kehinde
The Oyo State Government has introduced a QR Code Jacket for commerical motorcycle (Okada) riders across the state amid the spate of Okada-related crimes.
This was made known in a statement issued on Saturday by the Chairman of the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), Adekoya Adesagba and signed by the state’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade.
According to the statement, the policy, which required okada and tricycle operators to register under the State Residents’ Registration Scheme with a free QR code jacket issues to them, was initially introduced in November 2023.
The riders and tricycle operators compliance with the policy was however low.
This, according the statement, emboldened criminals and led to increased Okada-related crimes.
The state government however reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the QR code-embedded jacket policy as Adesagba vowed that the government will intensify enforcement and public awareness campaigns to ensure compliance.
The OYRTMA’s Chairman said the directive, reinforced by the Office of the Governor through the Senior Special Assistant on ICT & E-Governance, Mr. Adebayo Akande mandates the traffic authority to intensify the policy’s enforcement.
He recalled recent incidents which include armed robbers on an unmarked motorcycle snatched a trader’s earnings at gunpoint in Bodija Market.
Adesagba also recalled how a passenger was robbed by a fake Okada rider in the Challenge Area, recently.
“A kidnapping attempt was foiled after locals reported suspicious riders without QR code Jackets on the UI-Agbowo Axis”, he added.
Meanwhile, the QR code jacket system also offered several benefits, including real-time rider verification, crime prevention, emergency tracking, and increased passenger trust.
On its enforcement measures, Adesagba disclosed that there will be daily raids and impoundment of non-compliant motorcycles.
Fines and possible prosecution for violators will also be imposed as well as collaboration with security agencies to ensure statewide compliance.
OYRTMA urges residents to patronize only Okada riders with official QR code Jackets.
It also encouraged them to spread awareness using #NoBarcodeNoRide on social media
The state government assured that this policy is for the safety of all residents, and defaulters will be barred from operating on Oyo State roads.