Hundreds of motorcyclists on the platform of bike-hailing services – Gokada and Max – are protesting the ban on the operations of commercial motorcycles in six local governments in Lagos.
The ban, which also affected tricycles, will come into effect on February 1 and covers over 50 roads and expressways in Nigeria’s commercial city.
The motorcyclists marched on Lagos State governor’s office in Alausa, Ikeja, on Friday, voicing their antagonism to the ban.
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“Our jobs matter,” a placard brandished by the protesters says.
The peaceful protests comes after managements of Gokada and Max NG ride-hailing services made an appeal to the state government to rescind the decision, stating that their operations were compliant with the 2012 traffic law and the social impact made by the ride services in terms of job creations.
Mr. Tayo Bamidiro, Chief Executive Officer, MAXOkada, stated that the company has created 2,200 direct jobs for our drivers and full-time staff and 73,000 indirect jobs.
It is expected that those jobs and investments made will be lost when the 2012 traffic law goes into full effect come February 1, 2020.