Okada Riders in Abia to Pay N50,000 Fine for Violations

Commercial motorcycle riders in Abia State who break the government's ban in certain areas of Umuahia, Aba, and Ohafia will face a N50,000 fine. They could also lose their motorcycles, the government announced on Tuesday.

Prince Okey Kanu, the state Commissioner for Information, shared this news while speaking to journalists after the State Executive Council meeting led by Governor Alex Otti.

Kanu said the enforcement of the ban on commercial motorcycle operations started on Monday, June 22. This action aims to boost security, increase revenue, and restore order in urban areas.

He explained that any motorcycle found operating in restricted zones will be seized by the Abia State Harmonised Task Force working with security agencies.

Riders whose motorcycles are impounded must pay the N50,000 fine within 30 days to get their bikes back. Kanu warned, "Any motorcycle impounded for violating the directive and not claimed within 30 days after payment of the stipulated fine will be forfeited."

Kanu added that all motorcycles in the state, including those for commercial, private, courier, and delivery, must register under the government’s expanded enumeration program that started about 18 months ago.

To help with identification, the government will provide colour-coded reflective jackets and vests with unique local government area numbers across the three senatorial zones. He mentioned that courier and delivery riders must wear the approved vests, which will be available within a week.

Registered motorcycles will not be allowed to carry passengers. The commissioner also announced that the state civil service recruitment portal would open on Tuesday to hire more medical officers and consultants for state-owned health facilities.

Kanu said a technology-driven Citizens’ Engagement Centre is ready for the governor to launch. This centre will allow residents to submit complaints, questions, and feedback through telephone, email, and WhatsApp for quick responses from the relevant ministries, departments, and agencies.

He mentioned that the state government, with MTN Nigeria, aims to achieve 90 percent voice and data coverage across Abia in the next eight to 10 weeks. Kanu also noted that the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy will host the Canvas: Culture and Arts Festival 2026 on June 25 at the Michael Okpara Auditorium.

Retired Navy Commander MacDonald Uba, the Governor's Special Adviser on Security, said the motorcycle restriction is necessary due to security issues. He pointed out that criminals have used commercial motorcycles to commit crimes in Abia and nearby states.

Uba stated, "This is an overriding public interest decision. The governor is being pragmatic in balancing the economic well-being of citizens with their safety and security." He added that similar bans exist in nearby states and warned that Abia would not become a refuge for motorcycles from those areas.

While he acknowledged the economic effects of this policy, Uba said the government is looking at alternative transport options to help affected riders. He mentioned that a detailed list of restricted areas will be shared through the media and transport unions, while a steering committee and task force will keep talking to stakeholders about any new issues.