The Abia State Government has commenced full enforcement of its ban on commercial motorcycle operations in designated areas of Umuahia, Aba and Ohafia, citing security concerns and the need to maintain public order.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, announced the development on Tuesday while briefing journalists on the resolutions reached at this week’s State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti.

According to Kanu, the enforcement, which officially began on Monday, June 22, is part of a broader strategy aimed at improving security, boosting internally generated revenue and restoring order in key urban centres across the state.

He explained that any motorcycle found operating within restricted areas would be impounded immediately by enforcement officials.

“All motorcycles operating on Abia roads, whether commercial, private, courier or delivery, must now be registered under an expanded enumeration exercise that began 18 months ago,” Kanu said.

He noted that the Abia State Harmonised Task Force, working alongside relevant security agencies, would oversee the implementation of the directive.

Under the new regulations, riders who violate the ban will be required to pay a ₦50,000 fine within 30 days to reclaim their motorcycles. Failure to do so could result in the permanent forfeiture of the impounded bikes.

To improve identification and regulation, the government will introduce colour-coded reflective jackets and vests bearing unique local government identification numbers across the state's three senatorial zones.

Kanu added that courier and delivery operators must wear the approved vests, which will be available within one week, while registered motorcycles will not be allowed to carry passengers.

The commissioner also disclosed that the state civil service recruitment portal would be opened on Tuesday to facilitate the hiring of additional medical officers and consultants for government-owned healthcare facilities.

He further revealed that a new technology-driven Citizens’ Engagement Centre has been completed and is awaiting commissioning by Governor Otti.

According to him, the centre will provide residents with channels to submit complaints, inquiries and feedback through phone calls, emails and WhatsApp, allowing relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies to respond more efficiently.

Kanu also announced that the state government, in collaboration with mtn.ng⁠�, is working towards achieving 90 per cent voice and data coverage across Abia within the next eight to ten weeks, particularly in underserved communities.

In addition, he disclosed that the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy will host the Canvas: Culture and Arts Festival 2026 on June 25 at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, with Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu expected to attend as Special Guest of Honour.

Also speaking at the briefing, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, retired Navy Commander MacDonald Uba, said the motorcycle restriction was primarily introduced to address growing security concerns.

He explained that criminal elements had increasingly relied on commercial motorcycles to carry out unlawful activities in Abia and neighbouring states.

“This is an overriding public interest decision. The governor is being pragmatic in balancing the economic well-being of citizens with their safety and security,” Uba said.

He pointed out that similar policies have already been implemented in neighbouring states, including Imo State and Akwa Ibom State, adding that Abia would not become a destination for motorcycles displaced by restrictions elsewhere.

While acknowledging the economic implications for motorcycle operators, Uba said the government was considering alternative transport options to reduce the impact of the policy on affected residents.

He further disclosed that a comprehensive list of restricted routes and areas would soon be made public through the media and transport unions.

According to him, a dedicated steering committee and task force will continue engaging stakeholders and residents to address concerns and review issues that may arise during implementation.

Uba called on residents and the media to support the policy, arguing that short-term inconveniences would ultimately translate into improved security and public order, similar to the results achieved through previous reforms such as the state's e-bus programme.

“Security is everyone’s business, but your personal security is your responsibility,” he said.

The briefing was also attended by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma.