Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Cross River State Government has announced a significant relief package for commercial transport operators, exempting women engaged in commercial driving and men aged 60 and above from paying vehicle registration fees and daily operational levies. The policy, unveiled on Monday, July 20, 2026, by the Chairman of the Cross River Transport Regulatory Agency, Chief Oliver Orok, during a meeting with drivers' unions in Calabar, is part of Governor Bassey Otu's "People First" agenda and the administration's "Season of Sweetness" programme for transporters.
Under the new arrangement, women operating commercial vehicles will no longer be required to pay registration fees or daily operational levies. Similarly, male commercial drivers aged 60 and above who own and operate their vehicles will enjoy the same exemption. "Women who are into this driving business will not pay for registration of their vehicle and will not pay daily operational levies. The operation is free for them," Orok said. "Men above 60 years of age, who own their vehicle and wish to drive commercially, are also exempted. They won't pay registration, or pay daily levies." The policy is designed to ease the financial burden on transport operators and encourage greater participation in the sector.
Beyond the exemptions, the Cross River Transport Regulatory Agency has also reduced ticket prices to a minimal amount and suspended enforcement of certain road traffic offences to create a more enabling environment for commercial drivers. The government has also pledged to sustain its free transport services during festive periods and provide fuel support to vehicle owners to boost their operations. The agency, however, expressed concern over improper vehicle painting and the use of unauthorised stickers, urging drivers to maintain the state's official colours for uniformity.
To address revenue compliance, the Cross River Transport Regulatory Agency announced it would commence a special enforcement exercise from August 1, 2026, in partnership with security agencies. Orok explained that the enforcement was necessary because some drivers and union officials allegedly encourage others to evade ticket payments, resulting in revenue losses and divisions within the transport unions. "When those who pay notice others are not paying and are being covered, they also refuse to pay. This enforcement is to ensure fairness and protect government revenue," he stated.
In a related development, the transport regulatory agency invited the Independent National Electoral Commission to the meeting to facilitate voter registration for commercial drivers. Orok noted that many drivers are unable to visit registration centres because of their work schedules, and plans are underway to establish registration points along major routes to improve access and encourage civic participation. The latest policy builds on a series of transport reforms introduced by the Cross River State Government in recent months, including a ban on Vehicle Inspection Officers from carrying out road enforcement operations, following complaints of excessive ticket charges and harassment.
The exemptions for women and elderly drivers are expected to provide significant relief to commercial transport operators and encourage greater participation in the sector, while the government's commitment to regulatory reforms and enforcement is aimed at ensuring fairness and protecting revenue. As the Cross River State Government continues to implement its "People First" agenda, the policy is seen as a major step toward improving the welfare of commercial drivers and enhancing the efficiency of public transportation across the state.
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