The Socio-Economic Impact of the Ban on Motorcycle in Onitsha

Abstract

The ban placed on the use of motorcycle (okada) may seem like a step in the right direction, in an attempt to reduce the rate of crime and road accident in the community. But, government seem not to have provided any form of alternative employment to absorb these economically displaced persons thereby, increasing the level of poverty in the state. Thus, this study is aimed at the investigating the social and economic implications of the ban on motorcycle (okada) in Onitsha. The study reviewed literature on motorcycle (okada) ban and anchored on the strain theory. The study adopted a survey research design because; it enabled the researcher to derive first-hand data from the research respondents and the happenings in the study area. Using a sample calculator, a sample size of 384 was derived for this study. Data were collected using questionnaire and secondary sources of data collection technique and analysed using simple percentages. Findings revealed that the ban on motorcycle is because of the increase in the rate of crime and accident caused by motorcycle (okada) operators. It was further revealed that, the ban on motorcycle (okada) leads to mass unemployment and poverty in Onitsha. Based on this, it was recommended that, government provides alternative economic activities for motorcycle operators, spare parts dealers and repairs before implementing the ban on motorcycle so as not to make them vulnerable to criminal and illegitimate activities.