Cross River State Stops Transport Fees and Ticket Sales for Inter-City Operators

The Cross River State Government has ordered an immediate stop to ticket sales, levies, and all related charges on inter-city transport operators in the state. This decision comes after transport workers complained about paying multiple taxes.

Governor Bassey Otu approved the directive. His spokesperson, Linus Obogo, shared the news in a statement on June 18.

The statement mentioned that this decision followed a meeting between the state government and leaders of the Inter-City Drivers Association. They discussed the challenges caused by multiple ticketing and levies affecting transport operators.

Obogo said the governor approved “the immediate suspension of the sales of tickets, collection of levies and all related charges imposed on inter-city operators by government agents and security operatives across the state.”

He instructed relevant government agencies and security personnel to follow this order until further notice. The statement stressed, “All relevant government agencies and security personnel are hereby directed to comply fully with this directive pending further notice.”

The government plans to hold a meeting with stakeholders to create “a lasting and mutually beneficial framework for the transport sector.”

This suspension is meant to give temporary relief to inter-city transport operators. They have long complained about numerous checkpoints, ticketing demands, and levies from different government and security agencies.

Transport operators have said these charges raise their operating costs. They often pass these costs to passengers through higher transport fares.

Obogo highlighted that this move shows the governor’s commitment to easing the burden on residents and businesses.

This decision comes as many Nigerian states face concerns about multiple taxes and levies in the transport sector. Operators believe these issues hurt their profits and raise transport costs.

A review of the current levy system could make business easier, lower costs for transporters, and possibly reduce fares for passengers if the suspension lasts and is followed by more reforms.

It remains unclear if the transport operators will lower their fares in response to the state government’s action.