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The Cross River State Government has announced that women operating commercial vehicles and men aged 60 and above will no longer be required to pay registration fees or daily operational levies.
Chief Oliver Orok, Chairman of the Cross River Transport Regulatory Agency (CTRA), disclosed the policy on Monday during a meeting with transport unions in Calabar.
According to Orok, the waiver is part of Governor Bassey Otu’s “People First” agenda and the administration’s efforts to ease the burden on transporters.
“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,” Orok said.
“Men above 60 years of age, who own their vehicle and wish to drive commercially, are also exempted. They won’t pay registration, or pay daily levies.”
The agency also reduced ticket prices to a minimum and suspended enforcement of certain road violations to allow commercial drivers to operate with fewer restrictions.
Orok said the government would continue to offer free transport services during festive periods and provide fuel support to vehicle owners.
On enforcement, Orok stated concern over improper vehicle painting and unauthorised stickers, urging drivers to maintain the state’s official colours for uniformity.
The CTRA announced it would begin a special enforcement exercise, in collaboration with security agencies, starting August 1 to ensure compliance with registration requirements.
”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,” Orok said.
In a related development, the CTRA invited the Independent National Electoral Commission to the meeting to register drivers for voter cards, as many commercial drivers find it difficult to visit ward offices.
The agency said it plans to establish registration points along major routes.
