Women working in commercial transport and male drivers aged 60 and above in Cross River State will no longer be required to pay vehicle registration fees or daily operational levies under a new policy announced by the State Government.
The Chairman of the Cross River Transport Regulatory Agency, Chief Oliver Orok, disclosed this on Monday during a meeting with drivers’ union members from Calabar metropolis and the southern senatorial district.
Orok said the initiative was part of Governor Bassey Otu’s “People First” agenda and the administration’s “Season of Sweetness” programme for transport operators.
He said, “Women who are into this driving business will not pay for registration of their vehicle and will not pay daily operational levies. The operation is free for them.
“Men above 60 years of age, who own their vehicle and wish to drive commercially, are also exempted. They won’t pay registration, or pay daily levies.”
The CTRA Chairman further disclosed that the State Government had reduced ticket prices to a minimal amount and suspended the enforcement of certain road offences to create a more favourable environment for commercial drivers.
According to him, the government will also continue providing free transportation during festive periods and offer fuel support to vehicle owners to help strengthen their businesses.
On compliance, Orok criticised the improper painting of commercial vehicles and the use of unauthorised stickers, urging drivers to maintain the State’s official colours for uniformity.
He also urged drivers to complete their registration and pay the required levies.
Orok announced that the CTRA would begin a special enforcement exercise from August 1, in collaboration with security agencies, to ensure compliance with the regulations.
He said the enforcement became necessary because some drivers and union officials allegedly encouraged others to avoid paying tickets, resulting in revenue losses for the government and creating divisions within the union.
“When those who pay notice others are not paying and are being covered, they also refuse to pay. This enforcement is to ensure fairness and protect government revenue,” he said.
Orok reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to regulatory reforms aimed at improving public transportation across Cross River State.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the CTRA also invited the Independent National Electoral Commission to the meeting to register commercial drivers for voter cards as part of efforts to increase civic participation.
Orok said many commercial drivers did not have enough time to visit ward offices, adding that plans were underway to establish registration points along major routes.