Governor Bassey Otu has approved the immediate suspension of the sale of tickets, collection of levies, and all related charges imposed on inter-city transport operators across Cross River State.

The directive followed a meeting between the Cross River State Government and the leadership of the Inter-City Drivers Association over concerns regarding multiple ticketing and excessive levies affecting transport operators.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor, Linus Obogo, the suspension takes immediate effect pending further directives from the government.

According to the statement, the governor’s approval covers all forms of ticket sales, levies, and related charges being collected from inter-city transport operators by government agents and security operatives.

The government has directed all relevant government agencies and security personnel involved in the enforcement or collection of such charges to comply fully with the directive.

The decision, according to the statement, is part of efforts to address concerns raised by transport operators and to create a more conducive operating environment for businesses in the state.

The statement further disclosed that the State Government will convene a stakeholders’ meeting aimed at developing a lasting and mutually beneficial framework for regulating activities within the transport sector.

The planned engagement will bring together key stakeholders to explore sustainable solutions that balance the interests of transport operators, commuters, and the government.

Governor Otu’s intervention is expected to provide immediate relief to transport operators who have repeatedly complained about the burden of multiple ticketing and levies on their operations.

The government reiterated its commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment that supports economic growth and improves the ease of doing business in Cross River State. It also emphasised that the administration remains responsive to the concerns of citizens and stakeholders and will continue to implement policies aimed at improving livelihoods and promoting economic activities.

The statement added that the latest directive reflects Governor Otu’s resolve to ease the burden on citizens and transport operators while advancing his administration’s vision of prosperity and development during the state’s “season of sweetness”. (Channels TV)

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