The Cross River State Government has announced a waiver of vehicle registration fees and daily operational levies for women engaged in commercial transportation and male commercial drivers aged 60 years and above.
The Chairman of the Cross River Transport Regulatory Agency, Chief Oliver Orok, disclosed the policy on Monday during a meeting with drivers’ unions in the Calabar metropolis and the Southern Senatorial District.
Orok said the initiative aligns with Governor Bassey Otu’s “People First” agenda and the administration’s “Season of Sweetness” programme aimed at easing the burden on transport operators.
“Women who are into this driving business will not pay for registration of their vehicle and will not pay daily operational levies. The operation is free for them,” he said.
He added that elderly men aged 60 years and above who own and operate commercial vehicles would also enjoy the exemption.
“Men above 60 years of age, who own their vehicle and wish to drive commercially, are also exempted. They won’t pay registration or daily levies,” Orok stated.
The CTRA chairman also announced a reduction in transport ticket prices and the temporary suspension of enforcement of certain road traffic offences to support commercial drivers and improve business activities.
According to him, the state government will sustain its free transport scheme during festive periods and continue providing fuel support for commercial vehicle owners.
Orok, however, cautioned drivers against altering the official colours of their vehicles or using unauthorised stickers, urging compliance with the state’s approved transport branding.
He called on operators who were yet to register or pay the required levies to do so, noting that a special enforcement exercise would begin on August 1 in collaboration with security agencies.
“When those who pay notice others are not paying and are being covered, they also refuse to pay. This enforcement is to ensure fairness and protect government revenue,” he said.
He said the enforcement was necessary to address revenue losses allegedly caused by some drivers and union officials who encourage non-compliance.
The chairman reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to reforms aimed at improving the state’s transport sector.
He also revealed that the Independent National Electoral Commission had partnered with the agency to register commercial drivers for Permanent Voter Cards during the meeting.
According to Orok, the initiative was introduced because many drivers lack the time to visit registration centres, adding that plans are underway to establish voter registration points along major transport routes.
