Cross River exempts women, elderly drivers from vehicle registration, levies

Cross River State in Nigeria is offering significant relief to certain drivers, exempting women in commercial transport and men aged 60 and above from vehicle registration and daily operational levies. Oliver Orok, Chairman of the Cross River Transport Regulatory Agency (CTRA), announced this policy on Monday, framing it as a key component of Governor Bassey Otu’s “People First” agenda and the administration’s “Season of Sweetness” for transporters.

"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 stated. He added that men over 60 who own their vehicles and drive commercially also receive these exemptions.

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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.

The government has also reduced ticket prices and suspended enforcement of some road offenses to ease business for commercial drivers. Further support includes free transport services during festive periods and fuel subsidies for vehicle owners. However, Orok urged drivers to maintain the state’s official vehicle colors and remove unauthorized stickers, emphasizing uniformity.

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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.

To ensure compliance and address revenue loss, the CTRA, in partnership with security agencies, will launch special enforcement on August 1. Orok highlighted that some drivers and union officials encourage non-payment of tickets, leading to financial losses and internal divisions. "This enforcement is to ensure fairness and protect government revenue," he explained.

In a move to boost civic participation, the CTRA collaborated with the Independent National Electoral Commission to offer voter card registration for drivers, recognizing that many commercial drivers lack the time to visit registration offices. Plans are in motion to establish registration points along major routes.

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This enforcement is to ensure fairness and protect government revenue.