By DAVID ADEOYE

The Oyo State Government has given a 7-day ultimatum to all commercial motorcycle/tricycle operators in the state to embrace the new digital registration and reflective jacket policy.

The state Commissioner for Public Works and Transport, Mr. Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, gave the directive in Ibadan on Wednesday while meeting with representatives of the motorcycle/tricycle unions.

Mogbonjubola admonished all commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators to comply with the new regulations, saying that enforcement of the order would commence immediately after the expiration of the deadline.

According to him, after the deadline, any operator without proper registration or the official reflective jacket will be arrested and sanctioned in line with the state’s transport laws.

“This initiative is part of the government’s continuous efforts to enhance safety, accountability, and efficiency in the state’s commercial transport sector.

“The state government, through the Ministry of Works and Transport, initiated the digital registration of all commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators for the overall interest of the operators.

“This measure ensures accurate identification, proper documentation, and enhanced safety for both commuters and operators.

“The digital registration will also help to streamline revenue collection, improve regulatory compliance, and promote professionalism among transport operators.

“As part of the enforcement, all registered riders are required to wear reflective jackets officially issued by the ministry.

“The jackets will serve as visible identification, improve safety and security, and give the transport sector a more professional outlook,” he said.

The commissioner disclosed that the enforcement would begin in Ibadan, the state capital, before expanding to other zones in a phased implementation approach.

He urged operators to cooperate fully with the initiative, explaining that the policy was not punitive but protective, designed to safeguard lives, improve service quality, and modernise the state’s transport system.

He further stated that the ministry was collaborating with local transport unions, security agencies, and community stakeholders to ensure smooth compliance and public awareness of the new policy.

Corroborating the commissioner, the Chairman, Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), Mr. Adesagba Adekoya, pledged the agency’s support for the operators.

He emphasised that the enforcement would be carried out fairly and in the interest of public safety.

Adekoya assured the public that the agency would maintain zero tolerance for extortion or abuse of power by enforcement officers.

Responding, Dr. Solomon Olugbode, Chairman, Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle and Tricycle Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN), Oyo State Chapter, commended the state government for the initiative.

“It is long overdue,” he said.

Olugbode assured that members of ACOMORAN would fully comply with the government’s directive in the interest of safety and the overall development of the state. (NAN)