Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has directed authorities to begin a crackdown on unregistered dispatch riders operating across the state, citing security concerns and loss of government revenue.
The decision was reached during plenary after lawmakers considered a motion sponsored by Ukpong Akpabio, who represents Essien Udim State Constituency. The motion focused on the need to strengthen enforcement of regulations guiding dispatch riding services in the state.
Following deliberations, the Assembly instructed the Ministry of Transport to immediately review and strictly enforce existing operational guidelines for the dispatch industry. The ministry was also tasked with identifying and sanctioning operators who are not properly registered.
In addition, the House mandated its Committee on Works and Transport to monitor the implementation of the resolution and ensure full compliance.
While presenting the motion, Akpabio argued that the growing number of unregistered dispatch riders poses significant security risks, encourages unfair competition, and contributes to revenue leakages for the state government.
In a separate matter, lawmakers also addressed the worsening gully erosion threatening communities in Oron Local Government Area. The issue was raised through a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Kenim Onofiok, the member representing Oron/Udung Uko State Constituency.
The Assembly called on the state government, through the Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources, to declare a state of emergency on the affected erosion sites and commence urgent intervention measures.
It further urged the immediate deployment of civil engineering contractors to carry out shoreline stabilisation, drainage construction, and other structural works aimed at preventing further expansion of the erosion.
The lawmakers also appealed to the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials and temporary relocation assistance to residents whose homes and communities are under threat.
To ensure lasting solutions, the House encouraged the state government to work with the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Ecological Project Office in securing funds for long-term erosion control projects.
The Committee on Environment and Mineral Resources was directed to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the affected areas and submit recommendations to the Assembly, while Speaker Udeme Otong instructed the Clerk, Nsikak Orok, to communicate all resolutions to the relevant authorities for immediate action.