Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has issued a sweeping directive requiring all commercial tricycle (keke) and minibus operators to register on the state’s digital transport database, warning that any unregistered vehicle will be impounded starting from August 2026. The governor announced the directive on Saturday, July 18, 2026, during the July edition of the Government House Monthly Prayer Service at the Latter House Chapel, Government House, Uyo. The initiative, which is being implemented free of charge by the Ministry of Transport in collaboration with the Ministry of Science and Digital Economy and the Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue Service (AKIRS), is designed to strengthen security, eliminate criminal impersonation, and improve passenger safety across the state.
Governor Eno explained that the digital registration will enable commuters to easily identify the operators of any commercial tricycle or minibus they board, thereby preventing criminals from disguising themselves as transport operators to perpetrate crime. “We are digitally registering all our Keke/minibus owners and riders in the State for free, and I think from August, it will be possible for you to know the names of the driver, rider, or transporter of any minibus or keke that you are boarding,” he said. He warned that any transport operator who fails to register would have his or her tricycle or minibus impounded.
The biometric registration exercise, which was approved earlier in July 2026, officially commenced on Friday, July 17, 2026, at the Ministry of Transport’s operational office located at the former AKTC premises along Ikot Ekpene Road, Uyo. The Commissioner for Information, Dr. Aniekan Umanah, had earlier announced the policy on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, describing it as part of the government’s proactive response to the country’s worsening security challenges, including kidnapping, child trafficking and other organised crimes.
Upon successful registration, each commercial vehicle will receive a new State Vehicle Identification Number (SVIN) embedded with a unique QR code. Passengers will be able to scan the code to verify the driver’s identity, confirm the vehicle’s registration status and validate the day’s ticket. The government stressed that the registration is completely free and that operators are not required to open any bank account or digital wallet as a condition for registration or ticketing. Only operators who complete the biometric registration will be allowed to operate on state roads and purchase daily tickets, which will be paid through AkwaRemit into the Akwa Ibom State Government’s Treasury Single Account (TSA).
Beyond the transport directive, Governor Eno also announced that free internet service would soon become available at the Victor Attah International Airport as part of the administration’s drive to improve public services and expand digital infrastructure. On environmental issues, he cautioned residents against indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drainage channels and warned that movement would no longer be allowed during the monthly environmental sanitation exercise, with violators facing prosecution. He also disclosed that the Ministry of Economic Planning would soon begin updating the State Social Register to accommodate more vulnerable residents for the ongoing free food distribution programme.
Governor Eno reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare, security and living conditions of the people of Akwa Ibom State, thanking residents for their continued prayers and support. As Akwa Ibom continues to position itself as a tourism destination, the governor emphasised that the public transport system must be free of criminal elements to guarantee the safety of residents and visitors. With the impoundment deadline set for August, commercial transport operators across the state have been urged to complete their registration promptly to avoid sanctions and ensure seamless compliance with the new policy.
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