Cross River Government Exempts Women and Elderly Drivers from Vehicle Fees

The Cross River State Government has decided that women in commercial transport and men aged 60 and above will not pay for vehicle registration and daily operational fees.

Oliver Orok, the Chairman of the Cross River Transport Regulatory Agency (CTRA), shared this news on Monday. He spoke during a meeting with the drivers' union for Calabar and the southern senatorial district.

Mr Orok said this decision is part of Governor Bassey Otu's "People First" agenda. He also called it the administration's "Season of Sweetness" for transport operators.

"Women who work in this driving business will not pay for registration of their vehicle and daily operational fees. Their operations are free.

"Men over 60 years old who own their vehicle and want to drive commercially are also exempted. They won’t pay for registration or daily fees," he stated.

Reduced Ticket Prices

The agency chairman also mentioned that the government has cut ticket prices to the lowest amount possible. They have also paused enforcement of some road offences to help commercial drivers work better.

He added that the state government will continue to offer free transport services during festive seasons. They will also provide fuel support to vehicle owners to help their businesses grow.

On the issue of compliance, Mr Orok spoke about drivers not painting their vehicles properly and using unauthorized stickers. He urged drivers to keep the state’s official colours for uniformity.

He also encouraged drivers to finish their registration and pay the necessary fees. He announced that special enforcement would start on 1 August, in partnership with security agencies, to ensure compliance.

Ensuring Fairness in Payments

He explained that this enforcement is needed because some drivers and union officials tell others not to pay their fees. This has caused revenue losses and division in the union.

"When those who pay see that others are not paying and getting away with it, they also refuse to pay. This enforcement is to ensure fairness and protect government revenue," he said.

He assured everyone that the agency is committed to making public transportation better in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that to increase civic engagement, the transport agency invited the Independent National Electoral Commission to the meeting to help register drivers for voter cards.

Mr Orok mentioned that many commercial drivers do not have time to visit ward offices. He added that plans are in place to set up registration points along major routes.