Ekiti State Mandates Biometric Registration for Commercial Transport Operators to Boost Security

The Ekiti State Government has announced a mandatory registration and biometric data capture exercise for all commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators within the state. This initiative, which mandates completion by July 18, is part of broader efforts to tackle criminal activities and enhance security across the state.

Mr. Kehinde Ajobiewe, the Commissioner for Transportation, unveiled this directive during a stakeholders' meeting held in Ado-Ekiti. He emphasized that the exercise aims to “strengthen security, enhance public safety and improve regulation of the transportation sector.” A statement released by the Ministry in Ado Ekiti on Friday further elaborated on the plan.

According to Commissioner Ajobiewe, “The biometric registration of all commercial motorcycle riders and tricycle operators will begin on July 6.” He warned that “Operators who failed to register and obtain the required permits by July 18 will face sanctions in line with the state’s transportation regulations.” He urged union leaders for both motorcycle and tricycle operators to ensure their members fully participate before the stipulated deadline.

The Commissioner assured that “The Ministry of Transportation will ensure that every operator is properly screened and issued a valid riding permit upon completion of the registration process.” He clarified that the primary objective of this exercise is “creating a comprehensive database of operators, facilitating proper identification and curbing criminal activities associated with unregistered transport operators.”

Registration facilities will be made available at all offices of the Ekiti State Board of Internal Revenue located across the state's 16 local government areas. Mr. Ajobiewe also highlighted that this scheme would equip the government with crucial data for effective transportation planning, ultimately leading to improved service delivery and better addressing the challenges faced by the commercial transport sector.

He reiterated Governor Biodun Oyebanji's administration's resolve towards “strengthening security, promoting an orderly transport system and improving the welfare of transport operators in the state.”

The stakeholders' meeting saw the attendance of key figures including Mr. Bayo Abulola, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation; representatives from the Commissioner of Police and the Federal Road Safety Corps Sector Commander; Mr. Kunle Asaolu, Chairman of the Okada Riders Association; and Mr. Akinola Talabi, Chairman of the Tricycle Operators Association, among others.

Commercial motorcycles and tricycles are vital to public transportation in Ekiti State. However, the government's decision to implement biometric registration stems from growing concerns that criminal elements exploit unregistered operators, making this a critical security measure to boost public safety and regulate the transport sector more effectively.