The Abia State Government has begun full enforcement of its ban on commercial motorcycle operations in designated areas of Umuahia, Aba, and Ohafia, citing security concerns and the need to improve public safety.

The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti.

Kanu explained that the restriction, which took effect on Monday, June 22, is part of broader efforts to strengthen security, improve internally generated revenue, and restore order in key urban centres across the state.

Under the directive, any motorcycle found operating within prohibited areas will be impounded immediately.

He further disclosed that all motorcycles operating within the state, including commercial, private, courier, and delivery motorcycles, must now be registered under an expanded enumeration programme that commenced 18 months ago.

According to him, enforcement of the policy will be carried out by the Abia State Harmonised Task Force in collaboration with relevant security agencies.

Riders who violate the directive will be required to pay a ₦50,000 fine within 30 days. Failure to reclaim impounded motorcycles within the stipulated period could result in their forfeiture.

“To aid identification, the government will issue colour-coded reflective jackets and vests with unique local government area numbers for each of the three senatorial zones,” Kanu said.

He added that courier and delivery riders would be required to wear approved reflective vests, which would be made available within one week. He also stressed that registered motorcycles would not be permitted to carry passengers.

The commissioner also announced that the state civil service recruitment portal would be opened on Tuesday to facilitate the employment of additional medical officers and consultants for government-owned healthcare facilities.

In addition, he revealed that a technology-driven Citizens’ Engagement Centre has been completed and is awaiting commissioning by Governor Alex Otti.

According to Kanu, the centre will provide residents with multiple channels—including telephone calls, email, and WhatsApp—to submit complaints, inquiries, and feedback for prompt attention by relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

He further disclosed that the state government, in partnership with MTN Nigeria, is working towards achieving 90 per cent voice and data coverage across the state within the next eight to ten weeks, extending connectivity to underserved communities.

Kanu also announced that the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy would host the Canvas: Culture and Arts Festival 2026 on June 25 at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, with Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu expected to attend as the Special Guest of Honour.

Speaking on the motorcycle restriction, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, retired Navy Commander MacDonald Uba, said the decision was primarily driven by security considerations.

According to him, criminal elements have increasingly exploited commercial motorcycles to carry out unlawful activities within Abia and neighbouring states.

“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,” Uba said.

He noted that similar restrictions have already been implemented in neighbouring states such as Imo and Akwa Ibom, stressing that Abia would not become a destination for motorcycles displaced by those policies.

While acknowledging the potential economic impact on riders, Uba said the government was considering alternative transportation options to cushion the effect of the policy in major cities.

He added that a comprehensive list of restricted routes and areas would be published through the media and transport unions, while a special steering committee and task force would continue engaging stakeholders and residents to address emerging concerns.

Uba appealed to residents and the media to support the initiative, arguing that the temporary inconvenience would ultimately result in improved security and public order.

“Security is everyone’s business, but your personal security is your responsibility,” he said.

The briefing was also attended by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma.