NEWS
ABIA BEGINS ENFORCEMENT OF COMMERCIAL MOTORCYCLE RESTRICTIONS TODAY, VOWS TO PRIORITIZE PUBLIC SAFETY
ABIA BEGINS ENFORCEMENT OF COMMERCIAL MOTORCYCLE RESTRICTIONS TODAY, VOWS TO PRIORITIZE PUBLIC SAFETY
The Abia State Government has officially commenced the enforcement of its regulation restricting commercial motorcycle (Okada) operations within designated areas of the state, declaring that the policy is aimed at safeguarding lives, strengthening public security, and promoting orderly transportation.
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The enforcement, which took effect on Monday, June 29, 2026, follows an earlier postponement by the state government to allow affected commercial motorcycle operators additional time to comply with the new regulatory requirements.
In a press release signed by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, the government described the decision as a necessary step taken in the overriding interest of protecting lives and property across the state.
The government acknowledged that thousands of residents rely on commercial motorcycle operations for their daily livelihood, stressing that the decision was made only after careful consideration of the economic implications on operators and their families.
According to the statement, the postponement of the enforcement date was a demonstration of government’s compassion and understanding, providing affected operators with sufficient time to regularize their operations and make the necessary adjustments before the commencement of enforcement.
Despite the temporary extension, the government maintained that the safety and security of residents must always take precedence over every other consideration.
“No economic consideration can outweigh the value of human life. The primary responsibility of Government is to ensure that residents can live, work, and move about in a safe and secure environment,“ the statement emphasized.
The government further assured residents that the implementation of the policy would be carried out with fairness, professionalism and respect for the dignity of all citizens while sustaining engagement with relevant stakeholders to ensure a smooth and orderly process.
Under the enforcement guidelines, commercial motorcycle operations are now prohibited within the designated restricted areas, while offenders will be liable to a prescribed penalty of ₦20,000 for every violation.
The government also announced that motorcycles impounded during enforcement exercises will only be released after owners fulfill all applicable registration, documentation, verification and other statutory requirements.
Private motorcycles, however, will continue to enjoy unrestricted movement provided they are properly registered and documented in Abia State. Nevertheless, owners of private motorcycles are prohibited from carrying passengers for commercial purposes.
Commercial motorcycle operators permitted to operate within approved jurisdictions are now required to wear the officially approved Abia State-issued Identification Vest while carrying out their operations.
Similarly, all motorcycles, tricycles (Keke), and commercial vehicles operating within the state must be duly registered and documented in accordance with existing government regulations.
To ensure transparency and accountability during the enforcement exercise, the Abia State Government has established a toll-free public complaints system through which residents can report cases of misconduct, extortion, abuse or any form of infraction by members of the enforcement task force.
The designated toll-free numbers are 0800000232, 08001235555, and 08002225242, while the Abia State Harmonized Task Force (ASHTF) can also be reached on 08067955559, 08050725566, and 09122223825.
The government appealed to transport operators, community leaders and all residents to remain calm, cooperate with enforcement officers and support the initiative in the collective interest of building a safer and more peaceful Abia State.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting the welfare of citizens, the government stressed that the policy is not intended to punish anyone but to preserve peace, protect lives and create a safer environment for all.
“This policy is about protecting lives, preserving peace, and building a safer Abia for everyone,“ the statement concluded.
