Lagos Traffic Law in Breach of UPU Treaties

Stakeholders in the courier industry have returned a damning condemnation of the new Lagos traffic law saying that it contravenes standing Universal Postal Union (UPU) treaty which made generous provisions for commercial motorcyclists popularly called okada for distribution.


Nigeria on July 10, 1961 became a member of the UPU, a specialized agency of the United Nations that coordinates postal policies among member nations, in addition to the worldwide postal system.


Dr. Simon Emeje, assistant post master general, Nigeria Postal Service (Nipost) told Nigeria CommunicationsWeek, that the international treaties of the Union, to which Nigeria is a signatory, encourages nations and governments to deliver items to any point as the postal sector’s obligation is to reach every citizen.


Emeje said that certain provisions of the new Lagos Traffic Laws, especially one which restricted commercial motorcyclists to some designated roads is clear violation of the UPU treaty.


According to him, operators should not only be allowed to carry out their duties to any point in the State, but deserve the right to use any motorcycle of their choice.


“Actually, we have had series of meetings with the Lagos State Government. We have met a number of Commissioners in the State, particularly Hon. Opeyifa, Commissioner for Transportation. The government is very much aware of our case. We have made paper presentations, talks and debates.


“The postal obligation is that they want to reach every citizen. And in doing that, there should be no restriction of vehicles or motorcycles that will be used to reach to the people either on water or on the dry ground” he added


He also said that  “Therefore, we have made a case to Lagos State Government that this is inside the Conventions and International Treaties or a global disposition that should be respected. Nigeria or Lagos State should not be an exemption. Courier operators should be allowed to dispatch the parcels they have been assigned to do, even to any part of State”.


Emeje who also heads, Courier Regulatory Department (CRD) of Nipost further argued that restriction of the operators to use motorcycles with engine capacity of 200 Cc was not acceptable because it will signal the death of some courier firms, especially the indigenous players.


It would be recalled that members of the Organised Private Sector (OPS) had during Private Sector Stakeholders’ forum on the traffic law, recently urged that the state government to proceed with the caution the implementation of the Law.


Mr. Ralph Ozuede, managing director of UPS while presenting the position of courier companies on the law, said the prescription of 200cc motorcycles for their operations was not convenient.


According to him, 200cc motorcycles are not readily available in the country and cost about N1million each.


“We want the government to allow us some grace of between six months and one year to transit to the prescribed motorcycle capacity .As it is now; it will be difficult for us to get the 200cc engines because they are very expensive,’’ he said.


Also, Mr Joseph Umoni, representative of Road Haulage Association of Nigeria, lamented that the ban on movement of trucks during the day could cause a lull in their operations as well as loss of jobs.


Responding, Governor Fashola said the traffic law, just like every other law, was not perfect and could be amended, pointing out that their concerns were based on selfish reasons rather than for the common good and prosperity of the state.