Abia State Mandates Motorcycle Registration Amid Ban

The Abia State Government has ordered the registration of all private and commercial motorcycles operating within the state, requiring them to obtain unique registration numbers. This directive was announced by Governor Alex Otti during a press briefing on Tuesday in Umuahia, following a recent ban on motorcycles in the metropolitan areas of Umuahia, Aba, and Ohafia.

The ban aims to enhance security and address concerns regarding unregulated transport operations. Owners of motorcycles that are not registered will face a fine of N50,000 and risk confiscation of their vehicles if not retrieved within thirty days.

The government clarified that the ban on commercial motorcycles, often referred to as "Okada," is not intended to impose economic hardship on citizens but to prioritize the safety and security of the Abia populace. Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, expressed concerns about the potential security threats posed by tricycle operations in the region.