Photo: Governor Otu
By Mandy Park
In his characteristic manner as a compassionate and listening leader, the Governor of Cross River State, Senator (Prince) Bassey Ede Otu, has promptly responded to the concerns raised by Cross Riverians over the rising cost of transport tickets, excessive penalties and alleged harassment by enforcement teams of transport regulatory agencies.
In a Facebook post to address Cross River residents on the issue after a recent protest by commercial drivers in the state, the governor said:
“My dear people of Cross River State,
Following the concerns raised by commercial transport operators and residents across the Calabar metropolis regarding transport tickets, fines, and enforcement practices, I convened a meeting with the relevant authorities and stakeholders to address these issues decisively.
“After a careful review, I have approved measures aimed at easing the burden on our hardworking drivers while restoring order, fairness, and transparency in the transport system.
“Consequently, daily tickets for commercial buses have been reduced from ₦850 to ₦500, while the penalty for failure to purchase the ticket has been adjusted to ₦10,000.
“In addition, all traffic related fines have been reduced by 50 percent.
Tickets for tricycle riders have also been reduced from ₦1,200 to ₦500. Furthermore, enforcement officers are now required to operate strictly in proper uniforms and carry verifiable identification to ensure accountability and professionalism in their duties.
“The Commercial Transport Regulatory Agency (CTRA) will henceforth focus strictly on the registration of commercial vehicles and the sale of tickets at approved rates, while the Traffic Management and Regulatory Agency (TRAMRA) will confine its operations to its statutory traffic management responsibilities.
“In the same vein, the operations of the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) are now restricted to its offices.
In the spirit of our administration’s Season of Sweetness, mini-bus drivers and tricycle riders are also exempted from the purchase of tickets on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.
“However, tricycle riders are expected to terminate operations by 6:00 p.m., as night operations remain permanently prohibited.
“These directives will take effect from Monday, March 9, 2026.
“I urge all operators and the general public to cooperate fully with the relevant agencies as we continue to build a transport system that is fair, orderly, and beneficial to everyone.”
