BREAKING: Anambra Gives Roadside Mechanics, Vulcanizers, Traders, Others 72 Hours to Vacate Public Roads
The Anambra State Ministry of Transport has issued a 72-hour ultimatum directing roadside mechanics, vulcanizers, artisans, traders, and owners of abandoned or unserviceable vehicles occupying public roads and streets across the state to vacate the affected locations.
The State Government also reaffirmed the dissolution and proscription of all transport unions and associations operating in Anambra State, declaring that only government-approved umbrella bodies will henceforth be permitted to operate.
According to the Ministry, the directives form part of the government’s broader efforts to reposition and reform the transport sector by promoting order, improving traffic management, enhancing public safety, and ensuring environmental sanitation across the state.
The directives were contained in a Public Service Announcement issued by the Ministry of Transport, signed by the Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Edward Ibuzo, and dated July 24, 2026.
The announcement stated that the directives take immediate effect and apply to all categories of commercial transport operators, including commercial motorcycle operators, tricycle riders, taxi drivers, bus operators, mini-truck owners, tipper operators, lorry owners, and truck operators.
Hon. Edward Ibuzo said the actions were taken pursuant to the powers conferred on the Commissioner under the Anambra State Road Traffic Law of 1991.
According to the notice, the Ministry will soon unveil new transport unions that will serve as the only State Government-recognized umbrella bodies for all categories of commercial transport operators.
“All transporters in the State are to note the foregoing for strict compliance,” the statement warned.
The decision represents one of the most far-reaching government interventions in Anambra State’s transport sector in recent years and is expected to significantly reshape the operations of long-established transport unions across the state.
The Ministry explained that the directive ordering the removal of roadside mechanics, vulcanizers, traders, artisans, abandoned vehicles, and other illegal occupiers of public roads is aimed at restoring the free flow of traffic, eliminating road obstructions, improving the aesthetics of the urban environment, and addressing environmental hazards associated with abandoned vehicles, indiscriminate roadside repairs, and unauthorized trading activities.
It added that the indiscriminate occupation of public roads contributes significantly to traffic congestion, increases the risk of road accidents, obstructs drainage channels, impedes the movement of pedestrians and motorists, and undermines the government’s efforts to maintain clean, safe, and accessible road corridors.
The government warned that defaulters would face sanctions, including arrest, prosecution, payment of prescribed fines, and the towing of offending vehicles at the owners’ expense.
It further stated that upon the expiration of the 72-hour notice, the Ministry’s Compliance and Enforcement Team would commence full-scale monitoring and enforcement operations across the state to ensure strict compliance with the directive.
The twin directives signal the latest move by the Soludo administration to restore order on public roads, eliminate illegal encroachments on road infrastructure, strengthen government oversight of transport administration, reform the transport sector, and promote a cleaner, safer, more orderly, and environmentally sustainable urban environment throughout Anambra State.
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