Okada riders must belong to registered unions or companies from 2027 – NRSA

The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) is set to introduce a new regulation from January 1, 2027, that will prohibit individual commercial motorbike riders, known as okadas, from registering as separate entities. This move is part of the Authority's efforts to enhance regulation and accountability within the okada sector. Speaking on Joy Prime, the NRSA Director-General, Abraham Amaliba announced that only recognized okada unions and companies will be registered, with individual riders required to be affiliated to a registered union or operate under a registered company to obtain a commercial license.

Amaliba explained that the new system will enable the authorities to more effectively identify and regulate commercial motorbike riders, while also promoting self-regulation within the sector. The NRSA will provide the details of members of registered unions to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), who will then register the riders' motorcycles and issue the appropriate number plates and licenses.

The new system is scheduled to be launched in the last quarter of 2026, with the full registration regime starting on January 1, 2027. Amaliba emphasized that the launch will be a grand event, with advertisements informing unions to register with the NRSA. He also stated that the Authority will provide the DVLA with the names of the registered unions, enabling them to issue licences and number plates to the riders.