Akwa Ibom Targets Illegal Motor Parks As Government Pushes Digital Transport System
Akwa Ibom State Government has set its sights on illegal motor parks and roadside passenger loading points, warning that operators will face enforcement measures as the state moves to restore order on public roads and introduce a more regulated transport system.
The Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Anthony Luke, disclosed this on Friday during a ministerial press briefing at Government House, Uyo, saying the government expects significant progress in removing unauthorised parks and loading points between now and Christmas.
Luke said the exercise formed part of Governor Umo Eno’s efforts to improve road safety, ease traffic congestion and reposition public transportation through better regulation, digital monitoring and cleaner energy alternatives.
Beyond enforcement, the government is also investing in a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) transport hub at Ikot Akpe, Ikot Offot, Uyo, which is expected to combine passenger services, vehicle maintenance and other commercial facilities in one location.
According to the commissioner, the proposed terminal will feature a loading bay, VIP lounge, restaurant, automatic car wash, spare-parts centre, electric vehicle charging station, technical college, maintenance workshop and fuelling station.
The facility will also have a clinic, round-the-clock surveillance cameras and a police post to support passenger welfare and security.
Luke disclosed that the government planned to establish 31 sub-terminals across the state’s 31 local government areas to extend organised transport services to more communities.
He said the CNG initiative was expected to reduce dependence on petrol, promote cleaner transportation and improve revenue collection through an online payment system.
The commissioner also linked the transport reforms to efforts to address insecurity involving commercial tricycles and minibuses, revealing that operators were being integrated into a digital identification and monitoring system.
Under the arrangement, registered tricycles and minibuses will carry scannable barcodes to facilitate identification and assist security agencies in tracing operators when necessary.
Luke said biometric registration under the scheme was free, adding that the system was designed to discourage criminal activities and improve accountability in commercial transportation.
“The era of people robbing people inside Keke is over,” he said, emphasising the administration’s determination to strengthen passenger security through improved identification and monitoring.
He also reported an increase in revenue from relevant transport operations, attributing the development to improved regulation and digital monitoring, although he did not provide figures during the briefing.
Meanwhile, the state government is extending its transport development plans to waterways, with the Delivery Adviser to the Governor on Transport, Hon. Orman Esin, identifying maritime transportation, tourism and commerce as key pillars of Akwa Ibom’s blue economy strategy.
Esin said the government was working to strengthen water transportation through the provision of additional boats to support ferry services and improve connectivity along the state’s waterways.
He disclosed that the expected vessels would be named after former governors and other notable figures associated with the state, including MV Allison, MV Unoma, MV Martha and MV Patience.
The delivery adviser also announced plans to further develop the existing museum in Oron in collaboration with the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, as part of efforts to preserve cultural heritage and promote maritime tourism.
Esin said sustained investment in waterways, tourism and maritime-related commerce would create business opportunities, improve connectivity and help attract investment to the state.
