Cash Relief For Drivers As Cross River Gov Slashes Tickets, Halves Traffic Fines

Commercial transport operators in Calabar and across Cross River State are set to enjoy financial relief following sweeping reforms announced by Governor Bassey Edet Otu, who has approved a reduction in transport tickets and traffic-related fines after concerns raised by drivers and residents over enforcement practices.

The governor said the decision followed a meeting with relevant authorities and stakeholders after complaints from commercial transport operators and residents regarding transport tickets, penalties and enforcement methods within the Calabar metropolis.

In a statement announcing the measures, Otu said the move was aimed at easing the financial burden on drivers while restoring order and transparency in the transport system.

“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,” the governor disclosed.

He revealed that daily tickets for commercial buses have now been reduced from ₦850 to ₦500, while the penalty for failure to purchase the ticket has been adjusted to ₦10,000. The governor also approved a 50 per cent reduction in all traffic-related fines across the state.

According to him, the reforms are designed to ensure fairness within the transport sector while protecting the livelihoods of thousands of drivers who depend on daily operations for income.

“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,” Otu added

The governor further announced a significant reduction in the daily ticket for tricycle operators, cutting the amount payable from ₦1,200 to ₦500.

“Tickets for tricycle riders have also been reduced from ₦1,200 to ₦500,” he added.
Beyond the reduction in fees, the governor introduced new operational guidelines for enforcement officers to ensure accountability and professionalism.

He directed that all officials involved in enforcement must wear proper uniforms and carry verifiable identification while carrying out their duties.

“Enforcement officers are now required to operate strictly in proper uniforms and carry verifiable identification to ensure accountability and professionalism in their duties,” he said.

The reforms also clarify the operational boundaries of agencies involved in the regulation of the transport sector. Under the new directives, the Commercial Transport Regulatory Agency will focus solely on the registration of commercial vehicles and the sale of tickets at approved rates, while the Traffic Management and Regulatory Agency will restrict its operations to statutory traffic management responsibilities.

“In the same vein, the operations of the Vehicle Inspection Office are now restricted to its offices,” the governor stated.

In what he described as part of the administration’s “Season of Sweetness,” Otu also granted further relief to mini-bus and tricycle operators by exempting them from the purchase of transport tickets on weekends and public holidays.

“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,” he stated.

However, the governor reiterated that night operations by tricycle riders remain prohibited, directing that their operations must end by 6:00 p.m.

“Tricycle riders are expected to terminate operations by 6:00 p.m., as night operations remain permanently prohibited,” he added.

Otu noted that the new measures will take effect from Monday, March 9, 2026, urging transport operators and the general public to cooperate with government agencies to ensure compliance and improved order within the transport system.

“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,” he said.