PDP group criticises Akwa Ibom’s new transport tax policy
PDP Advocates for Peace and Justice has condemned a new directive in Akwa Ibom State requiring biometric registration and a unified ticketing system for commercial tricycles and minibuses. The group argues that this policy, introduced by the state’s Ministry of Transport and Internal Revenue Service, will increase the financial burden on already struggling citizens. In a statement signed by Chairman Tom FredFish and Secretary Mr Saviour Uko, the group described the move as insensitive, especially given current economic hardships. The group also criticised the state government for failing to address core issues in the transport sector.
Key takeaways
- The new directive, issued by the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Transport and Internal Revenue Service, mandates biometric registration and a unified ticketing system for commercial tricycles and minibuses, starting Monday, March 16, 2026.
- PDP Advocates for Peace and Justice claims the policy is a disguised tax that will worsen living conditions for citizens, especially transport operators and civil servants.
- The group argues that the government is transferring the financial burden to the public instead of addressing fundamental transport sector problems.
- They highlight that keke riders and other commercial transport operators are among the most economically vulnerable, and the new requirements unfairly target them.
- The statement also criticises the state government’s alignment with the APC-led federal administration and accuses it of compounding hardship through additional taxation while neglecting infrastructure and employment creation.
