Akwa Ibom To Register Keke, Minibus Operators In Digital Database

UYO — Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has directed all commercial tricycle (keke) and minibus operators in the state to register on the Ministry of Transport’s digital database as part of efforts to strengthen security and improve public transportation.

Speaking during the July edition of the Government House Monthly Prayer Service at the Latter House Chapel in Uyo, the governor said the registration exercise would be free and warned that operators who fail to comply would have their vehicles impounded.

Eno explained that the initiative is designed to prevent criminals from posing as commercial transport operators to carry out unlawful activities.

According to him, from August, commuters will be able to verify the identity of drivers and riders operating commercial tricycles and minibuses across the state.

The governor said the measure is necessary as Akwa Ibom continues to position itself as a major tourism destination, stressing that visitors and residents must have confidence in the safety of the state’s transport system.

He also announced plans to introduce free internet service at the Victor Attah International Airport as part of efforts to enhance public services and expand digital infrastructure.

On environmental issues, Eno urged residents to stop dumping refuse into drainage channels, noting that while flash flooding is a natural occurrence, effective flood management requires both government action and public cooperation.

He said the state government would review its flood control strategies and enforce compliance with the monthly environmental sanitation exercise. The governor warned that movement would no longer be permitted during sanitation hours and that violators of sanitation regulations would be prosecuted.

Speaking on the state’s social intervention programme, Eno said the ongoing free food distribution across the 31 local government areas is being implemented through the State Social Register. He added that the Ministry of Economic Planning would soon begin updating the register to include more vulnerable residents.

The governor thanked the people of Akwa Ibom for their continued support and prayers, saying their cooperation has contributed to the peace, stability and development being recorded across the state.