By Jeff Agbodo, Abakaliki
The Ebonyi State House of Assembly has directed the Ministry of Transport to intensify enforcement against illegal motor parks and halt the activities of transport operators at unauthorised parks across Abakaliki metropolis.
The directive was issued by the House Committee on Works and Transport during an oversight visit to the Ministry of Transport.
The committee, led by its Chairman, Hon. Deacon Joseph Ununu, who represents Abakaliki South Constituency and is the Deputy Leader of the House, said the proliferation of illegal motor parks was undermining the state government’s efforts to beautify the capital city and boost internally generated revenue (IGR).
Ununu also urged commercial vehicle and bus operators to stop “pick-and-drop” operations and return to government-approved motor parks designated for their activities.
He commended the Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Emeka Igboke, for initiatives which he said had contributed to a significant reduction in road accidents across the state, urging him to sustain the efforts.
Other members of the committee, including its Vice Chairman, Hon. Oluchukwu Ukie Ezeali (Afikpo North East), Hon. Aloysius Nwodo (Ebonyi North West), Hon. Victor Nwoke (Abakaliki North) and Hon. Obinna Mbam (Izzi East), said the visit was aimed at assessing the ministry’s activities and ensuring effective service delivery.
They also called on the ministry to strengthen its supervision of the Nigeria Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) to ensure that its operations conformed with its statutory responsibilities.
Responding, Igboke said the state currently had four government-approved motor parks: Akanu Ibiam Park, Spera N’ Deo; Ezeogo Igboke Ewa Central Park; EBOTRANS Park, Nwokpo Junction; and Ishieke Park.
The commissioner disclosed that the State Inter-Ministerial Committee had commenced steps to shut down illegal motor parks operating within Abakaliki metropolis.
He also said the ministry had introduced an identification system for genuine traffic control personnel to curb impersonation, abuse and extortion.
Igboke added that areas requiring traffic light installations had been identified, with necessary action being planned.
He thanked the committee for the oversight visit and reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to providing efficient, orderly and quality transport services to the people of Ebonyi State.
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