The Abia State Government has announced additional regulations governing commercial and non-commercial motorcycle operations in the state, reinforcing its ban in Umuahia, Aba, and Ohafia urban areas.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting held on Monday.
He said all commercial motorcycle operators must now be formally registered and issued government-approved reflective jackets for identification.

Kanu warned that violators of the ban would have their motorcycles confiscated until a fine of ₦50,000 is paid within 30 days, adding that failure to pay the fine would result in forfeiture of the motorcycles to the government.

He also stated that designated locations have been provided for the secure keeping of confiscated motorcycles, while non-commercial riders are prohibited from carrying passengers.
The commissioner recalled that restrictions on commercial motorcycle operations were not new in the state, noting that successive administrations, including the present government, had at various times enforced similar bans due to alleged criminal activities linked to some operators.

The Special Adviser on Security Matters to the Governor, retired Navy Commander Macdonald Uba, said neighbouring states had long banned commercial motorcycles, leading to an influx of riders into Abia State.

He alleged that some of the recent criminal activities recorded in the state had been traced to some of the operators.

According to him, the government would not stand by while residents are exposed to robbery, kidnapping and other criminal acts allegedly associated with some commercial motorcycle operators, stressing that protecting lives and property remains a core responsibility of the state.

Kanu added that the governor is aware of the impact of the policy on operators and assured that measures are being put in place to cushion the effects, including the setting up of a committee to address the matter.

Commenting on the development, a security expert who spoke on condition of anonymity urged motorcycle operators to cooperate with the government and assist in identifying criminal elements within their ranks.
He suggested that the motorcycle union should play a more active role in helping authorities profile and regulate its members.