Ebonyi Assembly Directs Crackdown on Illegal Motor Parks to Boost IGR, Restore Abakaliki’s Beauty

Our Reporter 

The Ebonyi State House of Assembly Committee on Works and Transport has directed the Ministry of Transport to intensify enforcement against illegal motor parks across Abakaliki metropolis as part of efforts to boost the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and restore the capital city’s aesthetics.

The committee gave the directive during an oversight visit to the Ministry of Transport, led by its Chairman, Hon. Deacon Joseph Ununu, who represents Abakaliki South Constituency and is also the Deputy Leader of the House.

Ununu said the proliferation of illegal motor parks was undermining the ongoing beautification efforts in Abakaliki while depriving the state government of substantial revenue.

He urged commercial vehicle and bus operators to stop indiscriminate “pick-and-drop” operations and relocate to government-approved motor parks across the state.

The committee chairman also commended the Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Emeka Igboke, for initiatives which, he said, had contributed to a significant reduction in road accidents in the state, urging the ministry to sustain the measures.

Other members of the committee, including the Vice Chairman, Hon. Oluchukwu Ukie Ezeali, representing Afikpo North East; Hon. Aloysius Nwodo, representing Ebonyi North West; Hon. Victor Nwoke, representing Abakaliki North; and Hon. Obinna Mbam, representing Izzi East, said the oversight visit was aimed at assessing the ministry’s activities.

They called for improved supervision of the Nigeria Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) to ensure that its operations remained within its statutory mandate.

Responding, Igboke disclosed that the state currently has four government-approved motor parks: Akanu Ibiam Park, Spera N’ Deo; Ezeogo Igboke Ewa Central Park; EBOTRANS Park at Nwokpo Junction; and Ishieke Park.

The commissioner said the State Inter-Ministerial Committee had commenced steps to shut down illegal motor parks within Abakaliki metropolis.

He also disclosed that the ministry had introduced an identification system for legitimate traffic control personnel to curb impersonation, abuse and extortion.

According to him, areas requiring traffic light installations have also been identified for necessary action.

Igboke thanked the committee for the oversight visit and reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to providing orderly and efficient transport services to the people of Ebonyi State.