About 14 days after the Ondo State Government reinforced the night-time ban on motorcycle operations and introduced compulsory registration for riders, motorcyclists today staged a protest, decrying the tedious registration process and its impact on their livelihood.
Recall that the government had earlier restricted motorcycle operations between 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. as part of efforts to curb criminal activities, including kidnapping and armed robbery, often linked to the use of motorcycles for quick escape.
They were also given a two-week grace period to register, after which a fee of ₦20,000 would apply.
However, the protesting motorcyclists, who gathered at the Governor’s Office, argued that the registration window is too short and the process overly cumbersome, affecting their daily income.
They appealed to the government to extend the deadline to allow more time for proper compliance.
In response, the Special Adviser to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Special Duties and Strategy, Gani Mohammed, urged the protesters to remain calm and assured them that the government would explore ways to simplify the registration process.
Attached: Photos from the scene showing long queues of motorcyclists waiting to complete their registration.
