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UMUAHIA – Abia State government has declared that it will henceforth maintain a comprehensive database of all registered motorcycles to facilitate easy identification and enforcement of the rules guiding transportation in the state.
This is coming as the government on Monday reiterated that the ban on motorcycles popularly called “Okada” from operating in the major cities of Umuahia, Aba and Ohafia is to fight insecurity and does not include commercial motorcyclists alone, but all motorcycle riders.
The State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, who disclosed in Umuahia while briefing journalists, explained that the riders would be issued colour-coded reflective jackets based on their senatorial districts, along with unique local government identification numbers.
Prince Okey Kanu, who spoke while briefing newsmen on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting, chaired by Governor Alex Otti, warned that “any motorcycle operator found in the restricted zones shall be impounded immediately”.
According to him, the maintenance of the comprehensive database would be carried out by the State Board of Internal Revenue, saying that though the government would exempt motorbikes used for courier and delivery services from the ban, they would not be permitted to carry passengers under any circumstances.
His word, “There shall be no exemptions to this rule. Every registered rider must wear the approved colour-coded vest which will be made available within one week of this announcement”.
On the enforcement of the ban that began on Monday, June 22, 2026, Kanu maintained that the state has begun the enforcement of the prohibition in the cities affected, adding that the policy is part of measures aimed at strengthening security and enhancing public safety.
“By this ban, all motorcycles plying the state roads, whether for commercial or private use or for business purposes such as courier and delivery services, must be registered.
“This is in line with Abia’s initiative on integration of all commercial vehicles, including motorcycles, which commenced over 18 months ago. The scope of this initiative has now been expanded to include the compulsory registration of all motorcycles plying the roads of Abia.
“The Abia State Harmonised Task Force will enforce the ban in conjunction with security agencies in the state. The fine of penalty for any defaulting motorcycle rider shall be N50,000 payable within 30 days”, he asserted.
The Commissioner therefore revealed that government has already designated loading bays in Aba, Umuahia and Ohafia for any seized motorbike, pointing out that the decision to ban the motorcycles, though a difficult one was taken in the overriding public interest.
“We understand the temporary inconveniences it may cause, but the safety and security of Abians remain paramount. Government is already considering alternative transportation arrangements to cushion the effects of the ban on residents and operators”, Prince Kanu opined.
He used the forum to announce that a comprehensive list of restricted routes would be made public through various media platforms and transport unions, pointing out that a special stakeholder engagement team would embark on sustained public enlightenment campaigns across the state.
In his comment, the Special Adviser to the governor on Security Matters, Navy Commander MacDonald Uba (rtd.) explained that the registration and colour-coding system being introduced would strengthen security monitoring and accountability.
Uba therefore urged the residents to view the policy from the perspective of collective security rather than temporary hardship.
“The primary responsibility of any government is the safety and security of its people. Governor Alex Otti is taking proactive steps to prevent the security challenges being experienced in several other states from taking root in Abia.
“We appeal to our people to bear with the temporary inconvenience because the overriding public interest is far more important”, he added.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, said the government is merely reinforcing the ban on Okada ride in major cities of the state imposed in 2009 by past administration, arguing that the measure being carried out for the interest of the residents and citizens of the state.
