Motorcycle Ban Will Increase Crime Rate In Nigeria – Ngonadi , SECCIMA President

Mr. Humphrey Ngonadi , the Managing Director /Chief Executive Officer of Ngobros Nigeria Limited, manufacturers of baby mate diapers is the President ,South East Chambers of Commerce Industry Mines And Agriculture [SECCIMA].

In this interview with AMAECHI PERCY ONYEJEKWE, the renown manufacturer and Businessman speaks on the inflation rate in the country, need to revisit motorcycle ban as a way to checkmate insecurity , among other issues . Excerpts.

Recently, it was reported that the inflation rate in Nigeria stood at over20.5 % What is your take on the revelation?

Certain factors had given rise to the inflation rate as revealed by the Central Bank of Nigeria[CBN].Some of them had included insecurity, the COVI-19 , the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, disruption of the value chain in agriculture which had contributed immensely in the constant rise in price of commodities, among others.

The Federal government is doing its best to realize the dreams of Nigerians. It should continue with positive policies that would bring down the inflation rate in the country and aid socio-economic development. The CBN should  stop further devaluation of the naira. It should review its policies with a view to stabilizing the naira and reduce the inflation rate. This will help in the economic development of the country.

Insecurity is said to be affecting businesses adversely nationwide. Do you think differently? If not, what do you think can be done to secure businesses country wide?

security of lives and property is vital in business and economic growth and development of a country, While the government at all levels should continue to make effort at securing the lives and properties of the citizens, individuals on their own part should contribute in helping government overcome insecurity in the country. A joint effort of government and the ordinary citizens can help in solving the problem of insecurity.

Businesses will grow , expand and yield the need benefit to every stakeholder and investors will be attracted .Security is a joint task.

The Federal Government had reportedly considered banning motorcycle in one of its Executive Council Meetings while Anambra State Government had rescinded its decision on that where it affected Nnewi . How do you look at motorcycle ban as check on insecurity?

While thinking of crime, motorcycle is used for crime but kidnappers use exotic cars in doing that. I don’t see motorcycle ban helping to douse in security. Rather than stop crime or insecurity , it will aid crime rate and insecurity because the many people whose source of livelihood is motorcycle operation would lose their job and might probably resort to crime. Government should look at the fact that some people lost their jobs and resorted to okada operation, some to spare parts business.. Some of them have 6 to 8 children to take care of. Their only mean of livelihood is okada.

And when motorcycle is banned other businesses that depend on okada would be affected like the motorcycles spare parts market, tire pump and menders, motorcycle mechanics and technician all of these would be thrown off job.

In Anambra State, I would I will plead with our listening  governor, His Excellency Chukwuma Soludo  to revisit the okada ban decision and unban motorcycle operation in other places in the state like Onitsha and Awka to continue business.

In what ways do you think motorcycle operation can be made to contribute to economic growth of the state instead of being part of societal problem? 

Okada can be better managed. This group of transporters , I learned , pay certain amount of money   to operate . There should be consolidated account into which the money they pay goes into. To be more meaningful in their operation and economic activities, okada should be restricted to local government areas of operation, For Instance, okada from Nnewi Local Government Area should be known by its colour, operation number and identity and restricted from operation in any other local government arear in the state. Same condition of operation should be applied to others from other local government areas. It is hoped that this would check crime and make the okada operator contribute meaningfully to development of the state. Okada operators should have recognizable identity to qualify them to operate in any locality. If the okada operator is a tenant, he should be identified by his landlord, If a landlord, he should be identified by his community leader or traditional ruler. This is what I can say about that.

Taxes and taxation in the country has always been criticized negatively by some industrialists and individuals , alleging over taxation. What have you to say?

Government policies should be given a human face to encourage industrial growth and development. taxes should stand within the limits where the companies, industries and individuals can pay them without much stress to the payer. It should stand within the limits where it would enhance the economy and encourage the individual companies growth without this costing them their economic efforts.

Despite the current challenges in the country , do you see the future of business in Nigeria?

There is no challenge that is greater than God. the country’s challenges can be overcome . Some countries had greater challenges in their life history and later overcame to become world powers.  As for the future of businesses in the country, I can say that it is very bright. Government policies , individual contributions and our general zeal for peace, unity and progress with God in the forefront, businesses will achieve a more brighter future than anybody had anticipated.