Abia Government urges compliance as taskforce enforces Okada ban

Abia State Government has called on its residents to cooperate with state officials tasked with enforcing the ban on commercial motorcycle operations in designated zones of Umuahia, Aba, and Ohafia.

Commissioner for Information Okey Kanu issued a statement on Sunday announcing the formal enforcement of the ban.

The government acknowledged that thousands of Abia residents rely on commercial motorcycle businesses for their livelihoods, but said the policy was enacted to protect lives and property and serves the overriding interests of all citizens.

The state also pledged to conduct enforcement fairly and professionally.

It announced that violators would now face a fine of N20,000, reduced from the earlier N50,000.

Under the policy, all private and commercial motorcycles and tricycles (Keke) in the state must be registered and documented, and private motorcycle operators are prohibited from carrying passengers.

Additionally, motorcycles seized by law enforcement will be released to their owners once registration, verification, documentation, and other statutory requirements are satisfied.

The government also urged citizens to report any extortion, abuse, or other misconduct by Task Force officials to the state through the provided phone lines.