LA SUITE APRÈS LA PUBLICITÉ

The Cross River State Government has exempted female commercial drivers and male operators aged 60 and above from paying vehicle registration fees and daily operational levies.

Announced this day July 20, 2026 by the Chairman of the Commercial Transport Regulatory Agency – CTRA, Chief Oliver Orok, the policy forms part of Governor Bassey Otu’s “People First” agenda and “Season of Sweetness” initiative. Beyond fee waivers, the state has slashed ticket prices, temporarily suspended enforcement of select road offenses, and committed to continuing festive transport subsidies and fuel assistance for commercial operators.

To ensure compliance across the broader transport sector, the CTRA will launch a joint special enforcement operation with security agencies starting August 1. Chief Orok explained that enforcement is vital to address revenue losses caused by non-compliant drivers and union factions discouraging levy payments. Operators are urged to complete their registration and adhere strictly to the state’s official commercial vehicle color schemes rather than using unauthorized paint designs or stickers.

In a new approach to civic engagement, the state government collaborated with the Independent National Electoral Commission – INEC to facilitate voter registration directly at the union meeting venue. Recognizing that commercial drivers rarely have time during working hours to visit ward registration centers, plans are currently underway to establish dedicated INEC registration points along major transport corridors to bring electoral services directly to motorists.

This move expands on recent transport sector reforms designed to mitigate financial pressure and reduce friction between operators and state agencies. Earlier this month, the government banned Vehicle Inspection Officers – VIO from conducting road enforcement duties following protests by bus and tricycle operators over excessive ticketing, heavy fines, and persistent harassment on state roads.