(Okada ban. Photo Credit: PM Nigeria)
The Abia State Government has commenced enforcement of a ban on motorcycle operations in Aba, Umuahia and Ohafia, warning that violators face a ₦50,000 fine and immediate impoundment of their motorcycles, with operators given 30 days to pay the penalty and recover their vehicles.
Commissioner for Information Prince Okey Kanu, who disclosed this in Umuahia, said the policy forms part of efforts to strengthen security and enhance public safety across the state.
He said the ban covers all motorcycles operating on roads in the affected cities, whether for commercial, private or business purposes including courier and delivery services, all of which must now be registered.
Enforcement will be carried out by the Abia State Harmonised Task Force in collaboration with security agencies, with designated impoundment bays established in each of the three cities.
The Abia State Board of Internal Revenue will maintain a database of all registered motorcycles, and registered riders will be issued colour-coded reflective jackets based on their senatorial districts, alongside unique local government identification numbers.
Kanu stressed that motorcycles registered for courier and delivery services would not be permitted to carry passengers under any circumstances, and that there would be no exemptions to the rule.
He acknowledged that the policy may cause temporary inconvenience but said the safety of residents takes priority, adding that the government is considering alternative transportation arrangements to ease the impact on operators and commuters.
The Governor’s Special Adviser on Security, retired Navy Commander MacDonald Uba, said the registration and colour-coding system would enhance security monitoring and accountability, describing the move as a proactive step to prevent security challenges seen in other states from taking hold in Abia.
