Cross River restricts VIO to offices after transport protests in Calabar
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has ordered the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) to restrict its operations to its offices, following protests by commercial drivers over transport levies and enforcement activities in Calabar.
The directive, announced on Saturday, forms part of a series of measures introduced by the state government to address complaints about the rising cost of transport tickets, excessive fines and alleged harassment by enforcement officials.
Under the new policy, mini-bus drivers and tricycle riders will no longer be required to purchase transport tickets on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
“In a similar vein, the operations of VIO are now restricted to its offices. In the spirit of the governor’s ‘Season of Sweetness,’ mini-bus drivers and tricycle riders are also exempted from the purchase of tickets on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays,” the government said in a statement.
The statement was signed by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Linus Obogo.
According to the government, the measures will take effect from Monday, 9 March 2026, and members of the public are urged to cooperate with the relevant agencies.
The decision followed recent protests by commercial bus drivers in the Calabar metropolis and consultations with key stakeholders in the transport sector, including the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice and the governor’s Special Adviser on General Duties.
The government also announced a reduction in transport levies and fines.
Daily tickets for commercial bus operators have been reduced from ₦850 to ₦500, while the fine for failure to purchase a ticket has been cut to ₦10,000.
Tickets for tricycle riders have also been reduced from ₦1,200 to ₦500, although tricycle operators will now be required to end operations by 6pm, as night operations have been permanently banned.
In addition, the state said all traffic-related fines have been reduced by 50% and must be paid only into designated Cross River State government accounts.
The government further directed that the Commercial Transport Regulatory Agency (CTRA) should focus strictly on the registration of commercial vehicles, the sale of tickets at approved rates and the enforcement of ticket compliance.
All enforcement personnel, it said, must operate in proper uniform and carry verifiable identification.
Similarly, the Traffic Management and Regulatory Agency (TRAMRA) has been instructed to limit its activities strictly to statutory traffic management duties.
The government added that all levies, dues and fines must henceforth be paid into a designated government account: TIN No. 1900737994 – 001; Payer’s Name: DOPT, Calabar; Revenue Code: 402064; Revenue Description: Road Taxes/Penalty Fee.