The Akwa Ibom State Government has directed all owners and operators of tricycles, popularly known as keke, and minibuses to complete a free digital registration exercise with the Ministry of Transport, warning that unregistered vehicles will be impounded from August.
The state governor disclosed this in a statement posted on his official X account following the July Government House Monthly Prayer Service, where he outlined a series of measures targeting transportation, airport services, environmental sanitation and social welfare.
According to the governor, the free digital registration is aimed at ensuring that commuters can properly identify commercial transport drivers operating within the state.
“From August, commuters should be able to identify their drivers, while unregistered vehicles will be impounded,” the governor stated.
The directive is expected to strengthen accountability in the state’s commercial transport system and enhance passenger safety by making it easier for commuters and relevant authorities to identify drivers and vehicles.
The governor also announced that free internet service will soon be available at Victor Attah International Airport, a move expected to improve connectivity and the experience of passengers using the state’s major aviation gateway.
On environmental sanitation, the governor reiterated the state’s commitment to the strict enforcement of the monthly environmental sanitation exercise.
He maintained that there would be no movement during the exercise, signalling continued enforcement of restrictions on vehicular and human movement to enable residents to participate fully in sanitation activities.
The governor further announced plans to update the state’s Social Register to capture more vulnerable residents who are currently not included in the database.
He said the exercise would help expand the reach of the state’s food distribution programme and ensure that more vulnerable residents benefit from government assistance.
The measures announced by the governor reflect the state government’s focus on improving public transportation accountability, enhancing facilities for air travellers, maintaining environmental standards and expanding social support programmes.
The governor concluded his message by expressing his goodwill to the people of Akwa Ibom State.
