Motorcycle Taxis in Enugu: Implications for Development

Abstract

This study examines the socio-economic effects of motorcycle taxis (“okada”) in the city of Enugu, Nigeria. Motorcycle taxis in the city have directly employed about 14,000 of the city dwellers and indirectly employed people in related enterprises, such as dealers on motorcycle and its parts and repairers. Operators of motorcycle taxis (“okada” riders) comprise 80% permanent operators (formally unemployed) and 20% part-time operators (public servants, students and artisans). Okada riders have been linked to serious crime incidents, such as snatching of personal effects, grand larceny, robbery and political killings. They also present the most potent hazards both to passengers
and other road users in the city, hence increasing accidents are linked to okada. Because it constitutes a quick way of making money, many youths have abandoned their skill acquisition or capacity building for it, leading to drastic reduction in the demand for big bus intra-urban services.