The Cross River State Government has exempted female commercial drivers and male drivers aged 60 and above from paying vehicle registration fees and daily operational levies as part of measures to ease the burden on transport operators.
Chairman of the Cross River Transport Regulatory Agency (CTRA), Chief Oliver Orok, announced the policy on Monday during a meeting with drivers’ unions in Calabar metropolis and the Southern Senatorial District.
Orok said the initiative aligns with Governor Bassey Otu’s “People First” agenda and the administration’s “Season of Sweetness” programme aimed at improving the welfare of transport operators.
According to him, all women engaged in commercial driving will enjoy free vehicle registration and will no longer pay daily operational levies.
He added that male commercial drivers aged 60 and above who own and operate their vehicles would also benefit from the same exemption.
The CTRA chairman further disclosed that the government had reduced transport ticket fees to a minimal amount and temporarily suspended enforcement of some traffic offences to encourage smoother business operations for commercial drivers.
He also assured transport operators that the state would continue its free transport services during festive periods while providing fuel support to vehicle owners to boost their businesses.
Orok, however, warned against improper vehicle painting and the use of unauthorised stickers, urging drivers to maintain the state’s approved colours for uniformity.
He called on operators to complete their registration and comply with existing regulations, announcing that a special enforcement exercise would begin on August 1 in collaboration with security agencies.
According to him, the crackdown became necessary because some drivers and union officials allegedly encourage others to evade ticket payments, resulting in revenue losses and disunity within the unions.
“When those who pay notice others are being shielded from payment, they also stop paying. This enforcement is to ensure fairness and protect government revenue,” he said.
Orok reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to reforms aimed at improving public transportation across the state.
The meeting also featured officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), who registered interested commercial drivers for Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) as part of efforts to promote civic participation.
