By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
11- NOV -2025

In a recent development aimed at enhancing transportation orderliness, improving passenger safety, and strengthening overall security within the state, the Imo State Government has issued a directive mandating the painting, fleeting, routing, and revalidation of all township commercial vehicles.

The order, which emanated from the Ministry of Transport and conveyed through the office of the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Moneme Judith Fred, was addressed to the President of Imo City Transport (ICT), Owerri.

According to the official circular referenced MOT/AD.50/VOL.1/87 and dated November 11, 2025, the government reaffirmed its commitment to full enforcement of Law No. 3 of 2007: Imo State Control of Public Transit Law, which stipulates the standard regulatory framework for public transportation operations in the state. The directive explicitly states that all commercial minibuses operating under the Imo City Transport umbrella, franchise holders, or as independent operators must comply with the state’s statutory colour code.

Beginning Tuesday, November 18, 2025, all eligible vehicles are required to be painted at the Imo Digital City Limited (IDCL), formerly known as ICAPS, located along Egbu Road, Owerri. Upon completion of the exercise, vehicles will be issued fleet numbers and assigned specific routes for their operations.

The government emphasized that this process is not limited to new operators alone but also extends to the revalidation of previously painted, fleeted, and routed vehicles, in accordance with Section 3(1) of Law No. 3 of 2007. The revalidation, according to the Ministry, is a critical measure to ensure uniformity, accountability, and improved monitoring of commercial transport activities across the state.

Mrs. Moneme, while conveying the directive on behalf of the Honourable Commissioner for Transport, noted that the initiative was designed to reinforce passenger safety and operational discipline within the transport sector. She added that the measure would also support the government’s broader vision of a safer, more efficient, and well-regulated public transit system.

“The statutory exercise will certainly contribute to strengthening the security of passengers, operators, and the State at large,” the letter stated, urging the leadership of Imo City Transport to immediately communicate the contents of the directive to all operational units and franchise holders within their network.

In a move reflecting the government’s inclusive approach, copies of the circular were also sent to the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Imo State, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Imo State, and the Disabled Sports Club (DSC), Imo State, to ensure that all stakeholders are adequately informed and prepared for compliance.

The Ministry of Transport reiterated its readiness to fully enforce the law and warned that non-compliance by operators or organizations may attract appropriate sanctions in line with the provisions of the Imo State Control of Public Transit Law.

The directive was duly signed by Moneme Judith Fred, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, on behalf of the Honourable Commissioner. It was received and acknowledged on November 11, 2025, marking the official commencement of preparations for the large-scale reorganization and standardization of township commercial transport operations in Imo State.

With this policy move, the Imo State Government has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to restoring order, improving urban aesthetics, and ensuring the safety and comfort of commuters across all routes within the state.