The governor of Cross River state has approved a reduction in transport ticket charges for commercial drivers and restricted the operations of the Vehicle Inspection Office to its offices across the state following complaints from transport operators.
Gov. Bassey Otu announced the measures in a statement posted on his Facebook page Saturday after concerns were raised by commercial transport operators and residents in the Calabar metropolis over transport tickets, fines and enforcement practices.
Otu said the decision followed a meeting with relevant authorities and stakeholders aimed at easing the burden on drivers while ensuring fairness and transparency in the state’s transport system.
Under the new directive, the daily ticket for commercial buses was reduced from 850 naira ($0.55) to 500 naira ($0.32). The penalty for failure to purchase the ticket was set at 10,000 naira ($6.40).
Traffic-related fines across the state have also been reduced by 50%, the governor said.
Ticket charges for tricycle riders were lowered from 1,200 naira ($0.77) to 500 naira ($0.32).
Otu said enforcement officers must now operate strictly in proper uniforms and carry verifiable identification to ensure accountability and professionalism.
He also clarified the responsibilities of transport regulatory agencies in the state. The Commercial Transport Regulatory Agency will focus on the registration of commercial vehicles and the sale of tickets at approved rates, while the Traffic Management and Regulatory Agency will handle traffic management duties.
The governor added that the operations of the Vehicle Inspection Office will now be restricted to its offices.
As part of what he described as the administration’s “Season of Sweetness,” mini-bus drivers and tricycle riders will be exempted from purchasing tickets on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
However, tricycle riders must end operations by 6 p.m., as night operations remain permanently banned.
Otu said the directives will take effect Monday, March 9, 2026, and urged transport operators and residents to cooperate with authorities to ensure an orderly transport system.
