By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Anambra State Government has announced Tuesday, August 11, 2026 as kick off date for the statewide enforcement of tricycle (Keke) riders’ permits, vehicle document renewals, and other statutory transport requirements.

The announcement was contained in a statement issued by the Head of the Transport Department of the Anambra Internal Revenue Service (AIRS), Hon. Juventus Chukwunweike Okoli, on Thursday.

According to him, the exercise is geared towards ensuring compliance with transport regulations and reminding commercial transport operators of their statutory obligations before enforcement begins.

He recalled that, following appeals from commercial transport operators, the government granted a two-month grace period covering June and July 2026 to allow affected operators regularise their documents.

The statement partly reads: “Grace period expires on Monday, August 10, while full enforcement begins the following day.

“The enforcement will cover compulsory registration of all commercial vehicles and transport assets for the payment of operational fees, renewal of expired vehicle documents, including roadworthiness certificates, insurance, proof of ownership and other statutory requirements.

“Commercial vehicles operating without valid registration numbers or with fake, cloned or plate numbers not linked to the Federal Road Safety Corps National Vehicle Identification System (NVIS) will be impounded.

“Such vehicles will only be released after the owners obtain genuine registration plates, pay prescribed enforcement fees, and may also face police investigation and prosecution.

“Authorities will also enforce compliance with valid driver’s licences and riders’ permits.”

The statement further explained that a rider’s permit authorises the holder to operate only a tricycle or motorcycle, while a valid driver’s licence permits the holder to operate vehicles in the categories specified on the licence.

While warning that any operator found without the required documents will have the vehicle impounded until the appropriate documents are produced with applicable fees paid, it offenders may also be referred to the Nigeria Police Force for further action.

“All other transport enforcement activities suspended during the grace period will also resume on August 11.

“Government urges commercial transport operators and vehicle owners to regularise their documents before the deadline to avoid sanctions and disruptions to their operations.

“Let us continue to work together to build a safer, saner and more orderly Anambra State,” the statement said.