Akwa Ibom State governor, Umo Eno, has directed operators of tricycles, popularly known as keke, and minibuses to register on the Ministry of Transport’s digital database as part of measures to strengthen security and improve public transportation in the state.
Speaking during the July Edition of the Government House Monthly Prayer Service at the Latter House Chapel, Government House, Uyo, on Saturday, the governor warned that any transport operator who fails to register would have his or her tricycle or minibus impounded.
Governor Eno said the initiative is aimed at preventing criminals from disguising themselves as commercial transport operators to perpetrate crime in the state.
“We are digitally registering all our Keke/minibus owners and riders in the State for free, and I think from August, it will be possible for you to know the names of the driver, rider, or transporter of any minibus or keke that you are boarding,” he said.
He noted that as Akwa Ibom continues to position itself as a tourism destination, the public transport system must be free of criminal elements to guarantee the safety of residents and visitors.
The governor also announced that free internet service would soon become available at the Victor Attah International Airport as part of the administration’s drive to improve public services and expand digital infrastructure.
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On environmental issues, Governor Eno cautioned residents against indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drainage channels, describing flash flooding as a natural occurrence that requires both government intervention and public cooperation.
He said the state government would review its flood control strategies to strengthen its response to flooding and stressed the need for strict compliance with the monthly environmental sanitation exercise.
Governor Eno warned that movement would no longer be allowed during environmental sanitation hours, adding that anyone who violates the state’s sanitation laws would be prosecuted accordingly. He urged residents to support the government’s efforts by keeping their surroundings clean.
Speaking on the administration’s social welfare programme, Eno said the ongoing free food distribution exercise across the 31 local government areas is being implemented using the State Social Register. He disclosed that the Ministry of Economic Planning would soon begin updating the register to accommodate more vulnerable residents.
He thanked the people of Akwa Ibom for their continued prayers and support, noting that their cooperation has contributed significantly to the peace, stability and development being recorded across the state.
