The Development and Impact of Motorcycles as Means of Commercial Transportation in Nigeria

The collapse of public intra-city transport system paved way for the rise of motorcycles as means of public transportation in Nigeria. Popularly referred to as Okada, motorcycles are used for public transportation in most Nigerian towns and cities. In many places, they have displaced the use of motor cars for public intra-city transportation. It is patronised by the populace because of the advantages it has over taxis and buses. Its use for commercial purposes has impacted significantly on the economy and society. Writing from an historical perspective, this paper discusses the emergence of motorcycles as means of commercial transportation, looks at the nature of Okada business and its impact on the economy and society. The challenges associated with its use are discussed and recommendations are given on how to regulate the activities of the Okada riders to make them contribute more positively to the society. Keywords: development, impact, commercial, motorcycles, transportation, Nigeria