Cross River Suspends Transport Levies, Ticket Sales on Inter-City Operators

The Cross River State Government has ordered the immediate suspension of ticket sales, levies and all related charges imposed on inter-city transport operators across the state, in a move aimed at addressing longstanding complaints of multiple taxation within the transport sector.

The directive was approved by Governor Bassey Otu and announced in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Linus Obogo, following engagements between the state government and the leadership of the Inter-City Drivers Association.

According to the government, the decision was reached after transport operators raised concerns over what they described as excessive ticketing requirements and multiple levies collected by various government agents and security personnel operating along transport routes across the state.

Mr. Obogo said Governor Otu had directed the immediate cessation of all such collections pending a comprehensive review of the existing framework governing transport-related charges.

“The Governor has approved the immediate suspension of the sales of tickets, collection of levies and all related charges imposed on inter-city operators by government agents and security operatives across the state,” the statement said.

The government further directed all relevant ministries, agencies and security personnel to fully comply with the directive until further notice.

“All relevant government agencies and security personnel are hereby directed to comply fully with this directive pending further notice,” the statement added.

To address the underlying issues, the state government disclosed plans to convene a stakeholders’ meeting involving transport unions, government agencies and other key players in the sector with a view to developing a sustainable and mutually beneficial framework for transport operations in the state.

The suspension is expected to bring immediate relief to transport operators who have repeatedly complained about the financial burden created by multiple checkpoints, overlapping ticketing systems and various levies collected by different authorities.

Transport unions have long argued that the proliferation of charges not only affects the profitability of transport businesses but also contributes to rising transportation costs, as operators are often compelled to transfer the additional expenses to passengers through higher fares.

The state government said the intervention reflects Governor Otu’s commitment to improving the business environment and reducing economic pressures on residents and operators alike.

Observers say the move could serve as a significant step toward streamlining revenue collection in the transport sector and improving ease of doing business within the state.

However, it remains unclear whether transport operators will respond to the government’s intervention by reducing transport fares, a key concern for commuters who have borne the brunt of rising transportation costs in recent years.

The development comes amid increasing calls across Nigeria for reforms in the transport sector, with operators in several states raising concerns over multiple taxation, excessive levies and regulatory bottlenecks that they say hinder growth and increase the cost of transportation.