Abia begins enforcement of Okada ban, sets N50,000 fine for defaulters

n n

By Ugochukwu Alaribe

n

The Abia State Government has commenced enforcement of the ban on motorcycle operations in Aba, Umuahia and Ohafia, warning that violators will face a fine of N50,000 and possible impoundment of their motorcycles.

n

The government said operators whose motorcycles are seized would be required to pay the N50,000 penalty within 30 days to recover their vehicles.

n

Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this in Umuahia, explaining that the policy forms part of efforts to strengthen security and enhance public safety across the state.

n

He warned that any motorcycle operator found plying restricted routes in the affected cities would have their motorcycle impounded immediately.

n

“By this ban, all motorcycles operating on roads in the state, whether for commercial, private or business purposes such as courier and delivery services, must be registered,” Kanu said.

n

He explained that the directive aligns with the state government’s transport integration initiative, which began over 18 months ago and covered commercial vehicles.

n

“The scope of this initiative has now been expanded to include the compulsory registration of all motorcycles operating in the state,” he added.

n

According to him, enforcement of the ban will be carried out by the Abia State Harmonised Task Force in collaboration with security agencies.

n

“The penalty for any defaulting motorcycle rider shall be N50,000, payable within 30 days,” he said.

n

Kanu revealed that designated loading bays have been established in Aba, Umuahia and Ohafia for the impoundment of motorcycles seized during enforcement operations.

n

He also disclosed that the Abia State Board of Internal Revenue would maintain a comprehensive database of all registered motorcycles.

n

To aid identification and enforcement, registered riders will be issued colour-coded reflective jackets based on their senatorial districts, alongside unique local government identification numbers.

n

The commissioner stressed that motorcycles registered for courier and delivery services would not be allowed to carry passengers under any circumstances.

n

“There shall be no exemption to this rule. Every registered rider must wear the approved colour-coded vest, which will be made available within one week of this announcement,” he said.

n

Kanu acknowledged that the policy may cause temporary inconvenience but insisted that it was necessary in the interest of public safety.

n

“We understand the temporary inconveniences it may cause, but the safety and security of Abians remain paramount.

n

“Government is already considering alternative transportation arrangements to cushion the effects of the ban on residents and operators,” he added.

n

He said details of restricted routes would be publicised through various media platforms and transport unions, while a stakeholder engagement team would embark on sustained public awareness campaigns across the state.

n

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, retired Navy Commander MacDonald Uba, said the registration and colour-coding system would strengthen security monitoring and accountability.

n

He urged residents to view the policy from the perspective of collective security rather than temporary hardship.

n

“The primary responsibility of any government is the safety and security of its people. Governor Alex Otti is taking proactive steps to prevent the security challenges experienced in several other states from taking root in Abia,” Uba said.

n

“We appeal to our people to bear with the temporary inconvenience because the overriding public interest is far more important.”

n

In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, said the ban was motivated solely by security considerations.

n

He noted that restrictions on commercial motorcycle operations were not new in the state, recalling that a similar policy was implemented during the administration of former Governor Theodore Orji.

n

According to Ekeoma, the current measure is part of the government’s broader strategy to strengthen security and maintain public order across Abia State.

n n