Ministry of Transport of Rios launches campaign against illegal parking and unauthorized fares

The Rivers State Ministry of Transport has embarked on a campaign to restore order and transparency in the transport sector.

The state’s Transport Commissioner, Collins Onunwo, said the initiative is aimed at tackling the menace of illegal parking and unauthorized fare collection, which has been a persistent problem in the state.

To address these concerns, Onunwo convened separate meetings with the Motorcycle Operators Union and stakeholders in the heavy truck sector.

Onunwo revealed that the Ministry is collaborating with the Nigeria Police Force, the Federal Road Safety Corps and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to establish a special task force.

He said the task force will regulate transportation activities across the state and its members will be easily identifiable by their vests bearing the inscription “Ministry of Transportation.”

“The task force will ensure that transport operators comply with the laws and regulations governing the sector,” explained Honourable Onunwo.

During the meeting with the Motorcyclists' Union, Emmanuel Chezu, representative of the union, thanked the Ministry for its proactive measures.

Chezu hailed the revival of the Rivers State Transport Company (RTC) by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, quoting the biblical maxim: “When the righteous rule, the people rejoice.”

He highlighted several challenges faced by motorcycle operators including: harassment by security agencies, lack of designated parking spaces and extortion by unauthorized persons.

Chezu called for greater support from the Ministry to address these issues.

Also, at the meeting with stakeholders in the heavy truck sector, headed by Omeriji Opara Chidi, Onunwo condemned unauthorised persons selling stickers or collecting money in the name of the Ministry of Transport.

“Those who engage in such activities are criminals and we will not tolerate them,” said Honourable Onunwo.

The commissioner informed stakeholders that he had notified the Rivers State Commissioner of Police of the fraudulent use of his office name on the fines.

Onunwo assured stakeholders of Governor Fubara’s commitment to their cause, stressing that his office would act in accordance with the Constitution without interference.

“No one will be able to use the name of the Ministry of Transport to extort money from the public,” he said.

The Commissioner also committed to working closely with stakeholders to address concerns and implement the task force.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Nwuzua Gonee Gordon, attended the meetings.

However, he advised the public to report any cases of unauthorized fare collection or illegal parking to the nearest police station or the Ministry of Transport.