The Anambra State House of Assembly has called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to direct the Commissioner for Transport to establish a security identification number for all commercial transport operators, including motorcycle (okada) riders, tricycle (keke) operators, shuttle buses, and other commercial vehicles, as part of efforts to strengthen public safety and curb crime.
The resolution was adopted during Thursday’s plenary following a motion sponsored by the member representing Nnewi North Constituency, Hon. Augustine Ike.
Presenting the motion, Ike said the absence of a comprehensive identification system for commercial transport operators has made it difficult for security agencies and government authorities to effectively identify, monitor, and regulate them, especially in cases involving robbery, kidnapping, theft, and other crimes allegedly committed using unregistered or unidentified vehicles.
He argued that creating an official database with unique security identification numbers would enable authorities to trace operators and their areas of operation more efficiently whenever criminal incidents occur, thereby improving public safety and security across the state.
According to the lawmaker, the lack of a reliable identification and tracking mechanism has created significant security challenges, leaving victims of crimes committed by some transport operators with little means of identifying or tracing suspects.
Supporting the motion, lawmakers Hon. Kingsley Udemezue (Idemili North), Hon. Golden Iloh (Ihiala 2), and Hon. Mimi Azikiwe (Onitsha North one) described the proposal as timely, saying it would promote accountability, improve transport regulation, and enhance the safety of commuters.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, who presided over the plenary, commended Ike for sponsoring the motion, stating that a security identification system for commercial transport operators would make it easier for authorities to investigate crimes and identify offenders across Anambra State.
