Amid growing security concerns and fraudulent activities within Ogun State’s informal transport sector, the Commercial Motorcycle (Okada) Riders Associations have unveiled plans for a digital transformation to enhance public safety and riders’ accountability.
Speaking after a high-profile stakeholders meeting held at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, the chairmen of the affiliated motorcycle riders associations, represented by Kayode Showunmi, disclosed that the decision was driven by increasing public concerns over crimes linked to okada riders, such as kidnappings and parcel theft.
Showunmi announced that 80 per cent of motorcycle riders in the state would now be required to enrol in a fully digitised Unique Identification System. He explained that the initiative was developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Transportation and security agencies to ensure better monitoring and regulation of riders’ activities.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation, Alhaji Olufodun Moibi, commended the initiative and clarified that the scheme was a union riders’ registration system requested by security agencies, not a government-issued riders’ permit. He urged union leaders to sensitise their members to this distinction.
Adebanjo Juwon, Consultant for the Commercial Motorcycle Rider Identification Scheme (COMORIS), highlighted the features of the new digital identification system, which aims to enhance security and accountability.
According to him, each rider will receive a unique ID number, with data securely stored in the cloud and verified through biometric checks. The system is also integrated with the National Identification Number (NIN) database, providing security agents quick access to rider information.
Reflective jackets with colour-coded designs and a three-digit ID will also be issued to riders, enabling swift identification by security personnel. These measures, Juwon noted, are designed to strengthen safety and transparency within the sector.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, AIG Olushola Subair (rtd.), urged the COMORIS consultant to ensure that only state-recognised riders associations, such as the Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN), Riders and Owners of Motorcycle Organisation (ROMO), and Articulate Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association (AMORAN), are involved in the registration process. He also emphasised the need for collaboration with allied security agencies to facilitate the scheme’s smooth implementation.
Subair commended all stakeholders for their contributions during the meeting, expressing optimism that the initiative would address the sector’s challenges.
