NRC Bans Okada, Demolishes Illegal Structures

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has banned the activities of the commercial motorcyclists and commenced the demolition of illegal structures on its premises.

The Corporation’s Assistant Director of Public Relations, Mr David Ndakotsu, told newsmen  in Lagos recently that the ban became effective on January1.

He said that the ban and demolition were part of the efforts of the management to bring sanity on the premises and secure the residents.

Ndakotsu said the ban was also a follow-up to the restriction of Okada by the Lagos State Government in some parts of the metropolis since the corporation was within the state.

“Since we are in Lagos State and there is a restriction on okada, it can be seen as solidarity to the government initiative. “For more than six months, the occupants of the illegal structures have been given notice to find alternatives, so, they were not taken unawares. “Although all of us are feeling the pains of the ban on okada , you can see that I have to trek from my house to the office since my car broke down, but if it is a sacrifice we must make to achieve required result so be it,” he said.

Our correspondent recalled that in October, 2011, Mr Nuhu Bullama, the Corporation’s Assistant Director, Electrical Services, was murdered in his official residence by unknown persons while sleeping with his wife.

Similarly, the apartment of a senior officer of the corporation was burgled at the premises during the Christmas holiday.