Governor Bassey Otu has launched a free Easter transportation programme for residents of Cross River State. The initiative, flagged off on Tuesday in Calabar, offers free movement across the state during the Easter holidays. Deputy Governor Peter Odey stood in for Mr Otu, who said the scheme was part of ongoing efforts to reduce the financial stress caused by high fuel prices. This marks the fourth edition of the free transport service, following similar programmes during previous festive periods, including Christmas 2025. Mr Otu said the service had also benefited visitors during the Calabar Carnival.
Ekpenyong Akiba, special adviser on general duties and scheme coordinator, confirmed the programme aligns with the state's socioeconomic intervention strategy. Ephraim Okon, special adviser on transportation, said the government partnered with transport unions and waived daily tolls for drivers. Drivers will receive small incentives after the programme and are prohibited from collecting fares during the period. Supervisors have been deployed to monitor compliance in all vehicles. Free transportation covers all local government areas from Calabar, including boat services to Creek Town and Bakassi. Within Calabar, 55 buses are operating from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily for free city-wide movement.
Governor Bassey Otu is turning festive transport into a recurring promise, not just a one-off gesture. With the fourth edition of free movement rolled out since December 2025, the continuity suggests a deliberate pattern of direct welfare intervention. For Cross River residents, this means temporary relief from crushing transport costs may now come with some predictability. Whether this scales into permanent infrastructure or remains a seasonal stopgap depends on long-term planning beyond holidays.
