— Courier operators barred from carrying passengers
By Peter Okore, Umuahia
The Abia State Government has announced the compulsory registration of all motorcycles operating within the state as part of measures to strengthen security and enforce the recent ban on commercial motorcycle operations in parts of Aba, Umuahia and Ohafia.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing journalists at the Government House, Umuahia, on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting.
Kanu said the new policy expands the scope of the government’s ban on commercial motorcycle operations, which took effect on Monday, June 22, 2026.
He explained that all motorcycles operating on roads across the state, whether for private use, commercial purposes, courier services or deliveries, must be registered with the government.
According to him, motorcycles registered for courier and delivery services will not be allowed to carry passengers under any circumstances.
The commissioner said enforcement of the ban would be carried out by the Abia State Harmonised Task Force in collaboration with security agencies.
“The penalty for any motorcycle rider who violates the directive is a fine of N50,000, payable within 30 days,” he said.
Kanu further disclosed that the government had designated loading bays in Aba, Umuahia and Ohafia for the impoundment of motorcycles confiscated during enforcement operations.
He stated that the Abia State Board of Internal Revenue would maintain a comprehensive database of all registered motorcycles in the state.
To facilitate identification and improve security monitoring, he said motorcycle operators would be issued colour-coded reflective jackets based on their senatorial districts, along with unique local government identification numbers.
“There shall be no exemptions to this rule. Every registered rider must wear the approved colour-coded reflective jacket, which will be made available within one week of this announcement,” Kanu stated.
The commissioner said the state government had already commenced full enforcement of the ban on commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada, in designated areas of Aba, Umuahia and Ohafia.
He noted that any motorcycle operator found violating the restriction in the affected areas would have the motorcycle impounded immediately.
Kanu described the decision as a difficult but necessary one taken in the overriding public interest.
“We understand the temporary inconveniences the policy may cause, but the safety and security of Abia residents remain paramount.
“Government is already considering alternative transportation arrangements to cushion the effects of the ban on residents and affected operators,” he said.
He added that a comprehensive list of restricted routes would soon be published through various media platforms and transport unions, while a stakeholder engagement team would embark on sustained public enlightenment campaigns across the state.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, retired Navy Commander MacDonald Uba, said the registration and colour-coding initiative would enhance security monitoring, identification and accountability.
Uba urged residents to view the policy from the perspective of collective security rather than temporary hardship.
“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.
“We appeal to our people to bear with the temporary inconvenience because the overriding public interest is far more important,” he said.
In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma, said the ban on commercial motorcycle operations was driven by security considerations.
He recalled that restrictions on Okada operations were not new in the state, noting that a similar policy was implemented during the administration of former Governor Theodore Orji.
According to Ekeoma, the current policy forms part of the government’s broader strategy to strengthen security and maintain public safety across Abia State.