Gov. Otu Slashes Transport Tickets, Fines After Drivers’ Protest In Calabar

CALABAR – The Cross River State Government has announced a major review of transport regulatory operations following protests by commercial bus drivers in the Calabar metropolis.

Governor Bassey Edet Otu approved the measures after concerns emerged over high transport ticket costs, excessive fines, and alleged harassment by enforcement officials.

The decision followed a strategic meeting involving key government officials and stakeholders in the state’s transport sector.

The meeting included the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, the Special Adviser on General Duties to the Governor, and other regulatory authorities.

According to the state government, the intervention aims to reduce financial pressure on drivers and restore order within the transport system.

A press release issued by the Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor, Linus Obogo, confirmed the development.

The statement explained that the governor acted after reviewing complaints from commercial transport operators and residents across the state capital.

Commercial Bus Tickets Reduced

One of the key directives approved by the governor involves a reduction in the daily ticket paid by commercial bus operators.

The government announced that the ticket fee has been reduced from ₦850 to ₦500.

Officials said the reduction is intended to ease the financial burden faced by drivers operating within the Calabar transport network.

The government also reviewed penalties imposed on drivers who fail to purchase daily tickets.

According to the statement, the fine for non-compliance has been reduced to ₦10,000.

Linus Obogo stated that the government carefully examined concerns raised by drivers before approving the adjustments.

“Arising from the recent protest by commercial bus drivers and concerns raised by citizens, the governor approved measures to ease the burden on drivers,” the statement said.

Officials believe the new ticket structure will improve compliance while reducing tensions between transport operators and enforcement agencies.

Government Cuts Traffic Fines by 50 Percent

In addition to reducing ticket prices, the Cross River State Government also slashed traffic-related fines by 50 percent.

Authorities said the move forms part of broader efforts to reform transport regulation within the state.

The government explained that the adjustment aims to address complaints that traffic penalties had become excessively burdensome for drivers.

Officials also clarified that all fines must now be paid strictly into designated Cross River State Government accounts.

The directive is intended to eliminate illegal collection practices and improve accountability in revenue management.

The government warned that no individual or agency is authorized to collect payments through private accounts.

“All dues, levies, or fines are henceforth to be paid into designated Cross River State Government accounts,” the statement explained.

Authorities said the directive will strengthen transparency in the transport revenue system.

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Tricycle Ticket Fees Also Reduced

The government also extended the reforms to tricycle operators across the Calabar metropolis.

Officials confirmed that ticket fees for tricycle riders have been reduced from ₦1,200 to ₦500.

The government explained that the adjustment reflects its commitment to supporting small-scale transport operators.

Authorities also introduced new operational guidelines for tricycle riders within the city.

According to the directive, tricycle operators must now terminate their daily operations by 6:00 p.m.

The government announced that night operations by tricycles have been permanently banned.

Officials said the restriction was introduced to improve security and regulate traffic movement within the state capital.

Transport Agencies Ordered to Follow Statutory Roles

Governor Otu also directed transport regulatory agencies to operate strictly within their legal mandates.

The order affects agencies such as the Commercial Transport Regulatory Agency (CTRA), the Traffic Management and Regulatory Agency (TRAMRA), and the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO)

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According to the statement, the CTRA will focus exclusively on the registration of commercial vehicles and the sale of approved transport tickets.

The agency will also oversee enforcement of ticket compliance among commercial drivers.

Government officials emphasized that enforcement officers must operate in proper uniforms and carry verifiable identification.

This measure, authorities explained, aims to eliminate impersonation and harassment of drivers by unauthorized individuals.

The statement added that TRAMRA will now concentrate strictly on its statutory traffic management duties.

Officials believe the directive will eliminate operational overlaps among transport agencies.

VIO Operations Restricted to Official Offices
The government also introduced new operational restrictions affecting the Vehicle Inspection Office.

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According to the directive, the VIO will now conduct its activities strictly within its designated offices.

Officials said the measure aims to prevent confrontations between drivers and roadside enforcement officers.

Authorities also believe the policy will improve professionalism within the vehicle inspection process.

Government sources explained that the reforms form part of a broader plan to restore discipline and transparency within the state’s transport regulatory framework.

Weekend Ticket Exemption for Drivers

Another key component of the reforms involves weekend exemptions for transport operators.

The government announced that mini-bus drivers and tricycle riders will no longer purchase tickets on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.

Officials said the exemption aligns with Governor Otu’s economic relief policy described as the “Season of Sweetness.”

The policy aims to reduce financial pressure on small businesses and informal sector operators across the state.

Government representatives said the initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of citizens.

Authorities believe the weekend exemption will provide additional relief for drivers who rely on daily earnings.

Implementation Begins March 9

The Cross River State Government announced that the new directives took effect on Monday, March 9, 2026.

Officials urged members of the public to cooperate fully with transport regulatory agencies to ensure successful implementation.

The government also appealed to commercial drivers to comply with the new regulations and maintain order within the transport system.

Authorities emphasized that the reforms were designed to promote fairness, transparency and improved relations between drivers and enforcement officials.

The statement concluded that the government remains committed to addressing the concerns of transport operators and citizens across the state.

Linus Obogo, who signed the statement on behalf of the governor, reiterated that the administration will continue monitoring the sector closely.

According to him, the reforms represent an important step toward restoring confidence in the state’s transport regulatory system.