Akwa Ibom Restates Zero Tolerance for Illegal Motorcycles in Uyo Metropolis

Thursday June 11, 2026
www.thenewsdesk.ng

The Akwa Ibom State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to sanitizing city centers by strictly enforcing the ban on motorcycles, popularly known as “okada”, tricycles also known as “Keke”, and mini buses along prohibited routes.

According to the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Anthony Luke, the ban remains fully in force and has never been lifted.

Key restricted areas of the use of motorcycles include Barracks Road, major trunk roads, and the entire Uyo metropolis. Only motorcycles with special permits issued by the Ministry of Transport are exempted.

These permits are reserved for essential service providers such as health workers and other critical duty personnels, like courier services.

The enforcement regime is uncompromising. Any motorcycle or tricycle apprehended within prohibited zones will be impounded and prosecuted at the mobile court. The court is empowered to impose substantial fines and authorize forfeiture in line with state regulations.

To streamline compliance, all delivery and logistics agents operating motorcycles must obtain official government permits through the Ministry of Transport.

Each delivery motorcycle will be profiled and registered under the name of its operator to ensure traceability and accountability.

Enforcement officers, working in synergy with law enforcement agencies and bearing valid identity cards, have been deployed across the state. Their mandate is to sanitize prohibited areas, rid Uyo metropolis of unauthorized commercial motorcycles, tricycles, and mini buses, and ensure strict adherence to transport regulations.

The government maintains that the ban is a public safety thereby restoring order to the capital city.