The Abia State government has imposed a N50,000 fine for anyone caught operating a motorcycle within the metropolitan areas of Umuahia, Aba and Ohafia. Motorcycles found in these zones will be impounded and released only after payment of the fine within 30 days, the State Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, said Tuesday during a briefing in Umuahia. Failure to pay within the period will result in forfeiture of the motorcycle to the state government.
Kanu disclosed the measures following the State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti. He stated that all motorcycles, whether private or commercial, must be registered under the state's vehicle enumeration programme, which began 18 months ago. The Abia State Board of Internal Revenue will maintain a database of registered motorcycles, and operators will receive reflective jackets or branded aprons with unique identification codes across the three senatorial zones.
Private, courier and delivery motorcycles are prohibited from carrying passengers under the new rules. A steering committee, working with the Harmonised Task Force and transport stakeholders, will carry out public sensitisation on the policy. The state government said it is planning measures to reduce the impact of the ban on commuters and riders.
Special Adviser on Security Matters, Navy Comdr. MacDonald Ubah (rtd.), said the ban supports public safety, citing intelligence reports that criminal elements are increasingly using motorcycles to commit crimes. He urged operators to register their bikes for traceability. Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, clarified that the restriction applies only to metropolitan cities and aims to improve security surveillance in urban centres.
The same administration that promised to ease transport burdens is now imposing a N50,000 fine that most riders cannot afford. Forcing registration and branding while banning operations in major cities leaves thousands of operators without income or alternatives. The state's claim of being citizen-focused rings hollow when the only immediate relief offered is talk of future mitigation plans. Operators in Aba, Umuahia and Ohafia face penalties without proof that the promised support will arrive.
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