The Abia State Government has commenced full enforcement of its restriction on commercial motorcycle operations in designated parts of the state, bringing an end to a one-week grace period granted to operators to comply with the new directive.
The enforcement, which took effect on Monday, covers major urban centres including Umuahia, Aba and Ohafia, with authorities warning that violators will face sanctions.
Addressing journalists after the State Executive Council meeting, the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Okey Kanu, said the implementation had earlier been scheduled for June 22 but was deferred to allow more time for public sensitisation and compliance.
According to him, the extension was necessary because many residents depend on commercial motorcycles for transportation and as a source of livelihood.
“The enforcement officially took effect on Monday,” Kanu declared, noting that offenders would continue to pay a fine of N20,000.
He explained that motorcycles impounded during the exercise would only be released after their owners fulfilled all registration and verification requirements stipulated by the government.
The commissioner clarified that privately owned motorcycles remain exempt from the restriction, provided they are duly registered and possess the necessary documentation. He, however, warned that such motorcycles must not be used for commercial passenger services.
Kanu further stated that licensed commercial motorcycle operators are now required to wear government-approved identification vests while carrying out their operations, adding that motorcycles, tricycles and other commercial vehicles must fully comply with registration regulations.
To ensure accountability during the enforcement process, he disclosed that the state government had introduced toll-free complaint lines through which residents could report misconduct or excesses by enforcement personnel.
He said the initiative was aimed at promoting transparency and public confidence throughout the implementation exercise.
“No economic or political consideration can outweigh the value of human life,” Kanu stated.
He reaffirmed the government’s resolve to guarantee the safety and security of residents while urging transport operators, community leaders and members of the public to support the policy’s implementation.
According to him, the exercise would be carried out fairly and professionally, with full respect for the rights and dignity of citizens.
The commissioner also used the briefing to highlight ongoing infrastructure interventions across the state, revealing that the Ministry of Works completed direct labour projects at 14 locations between June 16 and June 29.
He said five of the projects had already been completed, while another had been added to the ministry’s maintenance programme.
Among the completed projects are the 1.19-kilometre Obikabia–Umueleke Road in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area, the 550-metre Uzoma–Ohokobe–Afara-Ukwu Road and the 390-metre Chief Nkoro Street link road.
Kanu added that maintenance work had also been carried out on Ujari Road, alongside the desilting of drains on Faulks Road to reduce the risk of flooding during the rainy season in Aba.
He disclosed that construction had commenced on a new 90-metre Green Avenue project in Aba, while contractors are currently handling 24 road projects across the state.
The commissioner said substantial progress had been recorded on the ongoing projects, stressing that the administration remains committed to expanding road infrastructure, improving connectivity and enhancing the living conditions of residents across A
