By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
The Oyo State government has issued a seven-day ultimatum to all commercial motorcycle (Okada) and tricycle (keke) operators across the state to comply with the new digital registration and reflective ‘bar code’ jacket initiative or risk arrest and sanctions.
This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Public Works and Transport, Mr Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, during a press briefing held at the Ministry’s Conference Room, Secretariat, Ibadan, on Tuesday, November 11.
Mogbonjubola stressed that the reflective jacket initiative was part of the state government’s ongoing efforts to improve safety, accountability, and efficiency within the transport sector.
“The Oyo State government, through the Ministry of Works and Transport, has initiated the digital registration of all commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators.
“This measure ensures accurate identification, proper documentation, and enhanced safety for both commuters and operators,” he said.
According to the commissioner, enforcement teams would begin operations in Ibadan from next week before extending to other zones across the state in phases.
He said that any rider found operating without a valid registration or the official reflective jacket would be arrested and sanctioned in accordance with state transport regulations.
Mogbonjubola added that the ministry’s officially-issued reflective jackets would serve as visible means of identification of riders, promote professionalism, and enhance security on the roads.
“We urge all commercial riders to cooperate fully with this initiative. This policy is not punitive but protective. It is designed to safeguard lives, improve service quality, and modernise the transport system in Oyo State,” he said.
Mogbonjubola further disclosed that the ministry is working closely with local transport unions, security agencies, and community stakeholders to ensure effective compliance and public awareness.
In his speech, the Chairman of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), Major Adesagba Adekoya (Rtd), assured that enforcement officers would operate with fairness and integrity.
Adekoya said, “We will maintain zero tolerance for extortion or abuse of power by our officers. Our goal is to ensure compliance in a way that prioritises public safety and respects the rights of operators.”
The consultant responsible for producing and distributing the reflective jackets, Mr Bode Ajetunmobi, said the compliance level with the initiative was low, stating that over 10,000 jackets had already been produced, but many registered riders had yet to collect theirs.
“We urge all riders to collect their jackets and complete their registration. The process is designed to promote accountability and safety while improving transport regulation across the state,” he noted.
The Chairman of the Oyo State Chapter of the Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle and Tricycle Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN), Olugbode Solomon, commended the state government for the initiative and assured of the compliance of members.
Recall that Impact Nigeria Newspaper earlier reported that commercial motorcycle and keke operators in Ibadan pleaded with the government for more time, as it intensifies the enforcement of QR code-enabled jackets in the state.
Some of the motorists who spoke to Impact Nigeria Newspaper disclosed that in recent weeks, OYRTMA personnel have come hard on those who have not procured the jackets.
The motorists stated that the OYRTMA personnel mandate motorists who have not registered or gotten the ‘bar code jackets’ to do so on the spot, in addition to paying a fine.
One of the keke operators who spoke with Impact Nigeria Newspaper said, “They have been disturbing us to buy it. But some of us are trying to get the money to buy the jacket.’
“We are using this opportunity to tell the government of Oyo State to give us a little time so that we can get the jacket.”
