Onitsha Transport Operators Endorse Anambra’s Motor Park Digitisation, Seek Relief from Economic Hardship

By Doris Onyekachi

Major transport operators in Onitsha, Anambra State’s commercial hub, have endorsed the state government’s proposed motor park digitisation and standardisation initiative, describing it as a welcome reform capable of improving efficiency, transparency and service delivery across the transport sector.

The operators, who spoke in separate interviews, pledged their support for policies aimed at modernising the industry, while calling on the government to address the economic and operational challenges affecting transport businesses.

Among those interviewed were Mr Felix Ikejiaku of Onitsha South Mass Transit, Mr Okeke Ezeudo of Star Sunny Motors, the Depot Manager of Romchi Mass Transit, Mr Barnabas Itodo, Mr Jekwu Chukwu and Mr Onyekachukwu Emena of Ifeanyichukwu Transport.

While applauding the proposed reforms, the operators identified the removal of fuel subsidy, rising fuel prices, insecurity, multiple taxation and the activities of transport touts as key factors affecting passenger traffic and business operations. They noted that the challenges have significantly reduced night travel and the number of passengers using commercial transport services.

Mr Ikejiaku said transport operators have witnessed a sharp decline in patronage in recent years.

“Before, we loaded up to 50 buses daily. Today, we load only about 20 buses,” he said, adding that the activities of touts continue to harass operators and discourage passengers from using motor parks.

He expressed optimism that the newly appointed Commissioner for Transport would address the issue of multiple taxation and create a more business-friendly environment for transport operators.

Also speaking, Mr Barnabas Itodo attributed part of the decline in passenger traffic to the increasing popularity of online transactions and waybill services.

“Many people now pay to have their goods delivered through waybill services instead of travelling themselves. This has greatly reduced the number of passengers coming to the parks,” he explained.

He appealed to the state government to introduce additional policies that would stimulate growth in the transport sector, reduce the burden on operators and improve their means of livelihood.

The operators unanimously reaffirmed their readiness to embrace the proposed digitisation and standardisation of motor parks, expressing confidence that the initiative would enhance accountability, eliminate sharp practices and improve the overall management of the transport system. They, however, urged the government to complement the reforms with practical measures to address the economic realities confronting transport operators across the state.