The Ekiti State Government has ordered all commercial motorcycle riders and tricycle operators to complete registration and biometric data capture by July 18 as part of measures to tackle crime and improve security across the state.
The directive was issued by the Commissioner for Transportation, Kehinde Ajobiewe, during a meeting with stakeholders in Ado-Ekiti.
According to a statement released by the ministry on Friday, the exercise is intended “to strengthen security, enhance public safety and improve regulation of the transportation sector”.
Ajobiewe said, “The biometric registration of all commercial motorcycle riders and tricycle operators will begin on July 6. Operators who failed to register and obtain the required permits by July 18 will face sanctions in line with the state’s transportation regulations.”
He called on leaders of motorcycle and tricycle unions to encourage their members to take part in the exercise before the deadline.
The commissioner added, “The Ministry of Transportation will ensure that every operator is properly screened and issued a valid riding permit upon completion of the registration process.
“The exercise is aimed at creating a comprehensive database of operators, facilitating proper identification and curbing criminal activities associated with unregistered transport operators.
“The registration will be conducted at all offices of the Ekiti State Board of Internal Revenue across the 16 local government areas of the state.”
He noted that the initiative would also give the government accurate information for transport planning, enhance service delivery and help address challenges within the commercial transportation sector.
Ajobiewe reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of Biodun Oyebanji to “strengthening security, promoting an orderly transport system and improving the welfare of transport operators in the state.”
Those present at the meeting included the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, Bayo Abulola, representatives of the police commissioner and the Federal Road Safety Corps sector commander, the Chairman of the Okada Riders Association, Kunle Asaolu, and the Chairman of the Tricycle Operators Association, Akinola Talabi, among others.
Commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators remain an important part of public transportation in Ekiti State. However, concerns over the involvement of unregistered operators in criminal activities have led the government to introduce biometric registration as part of broader efforts to enhance security, improve public safety and strengthen regulation within the transport sector.
