The Ekiti State Government has directed all commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators to complete biometric registration and obtain the required operating permits by July 18 as part of efforts to improve security and regulate the state’s transport sector.

The Commissioner for Transportation, Kehinde Ajobiewe, announced the directive during a stakeholders’ meeting in Ado-Ekiti, according to a statement issued by the ministry on Friday.

Ajobiewe said the biometric registration exercise would commence on July 6, warning that operators who fail to register and secure the necessary permits before the deadline would be sanctioned in line with the state’s transportation regulations.

He called on the leadership of commercial motorcycle and tricycle unions to ensure their members participate in the exercise within the stipulated period.

According to the commissioner, the Ministry of Transportation will screen every operator before issuing a valid riding permit, adding that the exercise is intended to establish a comprehensive database that will aid proper identification of operators and help tackle crimes linked to unregistered commercial transport workers.

He said registration would take place at all offices of the Ekiti State Board of Internal Revenue across the state’s 16 local government areas.

Ajobiewe added that the initiative would also provide government with accurate data for transport planning, improve service delivery and support efforts to address challenges within the commercial transportation sector.

He reiterated the commitment of the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji to strengthening security, maintaining an orderly transport system and enhancing the welfare of commercial transport operators.

The stakeholders’ meeting was attended by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, Bayo Abulola, representatives of the Police and the Federal Road Safety Corps, as well as leaders of commercial motorcycle and tricycle associations.