Abia State Government has commenced the enforcement of its ban on the operation of commercial motorcycles in designated restricted areas across the state, warning that violators will face a N50,000 penalty and possible forfeiture of their motorcycles.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Tuesday, while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
Prince Kanu said the ban took effect on Monday, June 22, 2026, and would initially be enforced in the pilot cities of Umuahia, Aba and Ohafia, adding that the enforcement policy may be extended to other towns in the future.
“Following the ban, any motorcycle operator, or Okada rider as I refer to them, found plying the restricted zones shall be impounded immediately.
“This directive applies to both commercial and privately owned motorcycles operating within the affected zones”, the Commissioner stated.
He explained that all motorcycles operating on roads in the state, whether for commercial, private, courier or delivery purposes, must now be registered under the state’s expanded vehicle enumeration programme.
“This is in line with Abia State’s initiative on the enumeration exercise of all commercial vehicles, which commenced over eighteen months ago.
“The scope of this initiative has now been expanded to include the compulsory registration of all motorcycles plying Abia roads”, he said.
Prince Kanu disclosed that defaulting motorcycle riders would pay a fine of N50,000 within 30 days of impoundment, after which unclaimed motorcycles would be forfeited to the state government.
The Commissioner revealed that designated holding facilities for impounded motorcycles have already been established in the pilot cities of Umuahia, Aba and Ohafia.
Prince Kanu further disclosed that the Abia State Board of Internal Revenue would maintain a database of all registered motorcycles, while operators would be issued colour-coded reflective jackets and identification codes which would be available within one week,
for easy recognition.
He said private motorcycles and courier motorcycles would not be permitted to carry passengers, stressing that the regulation applies to all persons without exception while vests would be made available within one week of the announcement.
According to Prince Kanu, the policy forms part of the state government’s efforts to improve security, safeguard lives and property, as well as boost internally generated revenue of the
state.
The Commissioner assured residents that the state government was already considering alternative transportation options to ease the impact of the restriction on commuters and motorcycle operators.
He also announced plans by the state government to recruit additional medical officers and consultants in the state-owned health facilities and advised interested Interested persons to visit the AbIa state website for details.
Prince Kanu revealed that the state’s Citizens’ Engagement Centre, designed to enhance communication between government and residents, is ready for commissioning.
The Commissioner described the facility as a technology-driven platform that would enable real-time interaction between citizens and government agencies.
“The centre has been set up on a robust technology-enabled platform to drive real-time engagement by aggregating and carrying inquiries and feedback to appropriate ministries, departments and agencies for resolution within the shortest possible time”, he explained.
Prince Kanu also disclosed that the state government’s partnership with MTN Nigeria aimed at achieving near-universal broadband connectivity across Abia was progressing steadily.
According to him, the first phase, which targets 90 per cent population coverage, would be completed within the next eight to ten weeks, adding that when completed and operational, will yield benefits in social and financial inclusion, healthcare, education and security.
MacDonald Uba
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Navy Commander MacDonald Uba (RTD), said intelligence and security assessments revealed that criminal elements had increasingly exploited motorcycles to perpetrate criminal activities across the state and urged residents to view the policy from the perspective of collective security rather than hardship.
Capt Uba further explained that the registration and colour-coding system would strengthen security monitoring and accountability, adding that the security measure is designed to ensure easy identification and tracking where necessary.
While acknowledging the number of people whose livelihoods depend on motorcycle transportation, Commander Uba assured that the government was mindful of their concerns and was already exploring measures to ease the transition.
“This government is people-centred and listens to its citizens. A steering committee has been established to review emerging issues and make necessary adjustments where required.
“Within a short period, people will adjust to the new system, and the benefits of improved security and public order will become evident to all”, he added.
Mr Gerald Ilokwe
The Chief Information Officer to the Governor, Mr Gerald Ilokwe, while providing further clarification on the state’s Citizens’ Engagement Centre, said it would function as an omni-channel contact platform through telephone calls, emails, WhatsApp and other digital channels rather than as a physical walk-in office.
Mr Ferdinard Ekeoma
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinard Ekeoma was present during the briefing.
