Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has approved the immediate suspension of the sale of tickets, collection of levies and all related charges imposed on inter-city transport operators across the state.
The directive followed a meeting between the Cross River State Government and the leadership of the Inter-City Drivers Association over concerns bordering on multiple ticketing and excessive levies affecting transport operators.
A statement issued on Thursday by the Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor, Mr. Linus Obogo, said the suspension takes immediate effect pending further directives from the government.
According to the statement, the Governor’s approval covers all forms of ticket sales, levies and related charges being collected from inter-city transport operators by government agents and security operatives.
The government consequently directed all relevant government agencies and security personnel involved in the enforcement or collection of such charges to comply fully with the directive.
The statement explained that the decision was part of efforts to address concerns raised by transport operators and create a more conducive operating environment for businesses in the state.
It further disclosed that the State Government would, in due course, convene a stakeholders’ meeting aimed at developing a lasting and mutually beneficial framework for regulating activities within the transport sector.
The planned engagement, according to the Government, will bring together key stakeholders to explore sustainable solutions that balance the interests of operators, commuters and the government.
Governor Otu’s intervention is expected to provide immediate relief to transport operators who have repeatedly complained about the burden of multiple ticketing and levies on their operations.
The Government reiterated its commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment that supports economic growth and improves the ease of doing business in Cross River State.
The statement noted that the administration remains responsive to the concerns of citizens and stakeholders and will continue to implement policies aimed at improving livelihoods and promoting economic activities.
It added that the latest directive reflects Governor Otu’s resolve to ease the burden on citizens and transport operators while advancing his administration’s vision of prosperity and development in what it described as the state’s “season of sweetness.”
By Kingsley Agim
