The Cross River State Government has suspended the sale of tickets, as well as the collection of levies and all related charges imposed on inter-city transport operators across the state.
The directive, approved by Governor Bassey Otu, followed a meeting between the state government and leaders of the Inter-City Drivers Association, where complaints were raised about multiple ticketing and alleged excessive levies imposed by government agents and security personnel.
In a statement issued yesterday by the Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor, Linus Obogo, the government ordered all relevant agencies and security operatives to immediately comply with the suspension pending further notice.
According to the statement, the decision aims to address concerns raised by transport operators and reduce the operational burden on businesses within the state’s transport sector.
The government also announced that a stakeholders’ meeting would be convened in due course to develop a sustainable and mutually beneficial framework for regulating the sector.
“The Governor has approved the immediate suspension of the sale of tickets, collection of levies and all related charges imposed on inter-city transport operators by government agents and security operatives across the state,” the statement read.
It added that all affected agencies and personnel must fully comply with the directive while consultations continue.
The state government said the intervention reflects its commitment to creating a more business-friendly environment and easing operational challenges faced by transport operators across Cross River State.
The government further assured stakeholders that efforts are underway to establish a lasting framework that balances the interests of both transport operators and regulatory agencies.