The Oyo State Government has announced plans to intensify the enforcement of its QR code jacket policy for commercial motorcycle (Okada) riders, as part of efforts to tackle rising insecurity linked to unregistered operators.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Chairman of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), Major Adekoya Adesagba (rtd.), said the renewed enforcement drive follows a directive from the Office of the Governor, relayed through the Senior Special Assistant on ICT and E-Governance, Mr. Adebayo Akande.
The policy, which was introduced in November 2023, mandates all Okada and tricycle riders in the state to register under the Oyo State Residents’ Registration Scheme and wear jackets embedded with scannable QR codes for identification and tracking.
Despite initial provisions for free jackets, compliance has remained low, a situation the government says has emboldened criminal elements. “We’ve seen an increase in crimes involving unregistered motorcycles,” Adesagba said, citing a recent incident where armed robbers riding an unmarked Okada snatched a trader’s earnings at gunpoint in Bodija Market.
He also mentioned a similar robbery involving a fake Okada rider in the Challenge area, as well as a foiled kidnapping attempt in the UI–Agbowo axis, thanks to vigilant residents who noticed suspicious riders without QR jackets.
The QR code system, according to officials, enables real-time rider verification, helps prevent crime, supports emergency tracking, and fosters passenger confidence.
Enforcement Measures Include:
Daily raids and seizure of non-compliant motorcycles
Imposition of fines and possible prosecution of violators
Collaboration with security agencies to ensure statewide implementation
Residents have been urged to use only riders wearing the official jackets and to support the awareness campaign using the hashtag #NoBarcodeNoRide.
“The safety of our people is paramount,” Adesagba said, noting that defaulters will be barred from operating on roads within Oyo State.
The statement was endorsed by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, on behalf of the Oyo State Government.
