Ogoja, Cross River State.
June 20, 2024 – In a well-attended stakeholders meeting held at the Ogoja Local Government Area (LGA) Council Hall, the Cross River State Ministry of Transport brought together key figures from the transport and security sectors to discuss and enhance the integration and effectiveness of transportation regulations and security measures across the Northern District of Cross River State.
The meeting, which took place on Thursday, was graced by the presence of the Commissioner for Transport, Pastor Ekpenyong Cobham, who commenced the proceedings by expressing his gratitude to all stakeholders for their attendance and participation. Pastor Cobham highlighted the critical role of the Transport Regulatory Agency, emphasizing that its operations had been unjustly confined to the state capital. He pointed out the necessity of extending its reach to ensure comprehensive regulatory oversight across the entire state, including the Northern District.
In his speech, Pastor Cobham elaborated on the significance of the Commercial Vehicle Security Codes registration. He underscored its importance in enhancing security and order within the transport sector, ensuring that commercial vehicles are properly registered and monitored for safety and regulatory compliance.
Speaking on behalf of the Community Relations Officers (CROs) from the Northern District, Hon. Ojiho, the Yala 1 State Constituency Community Relation Officer, extended his appreciation to the Commissioner for bringing the implementation of government policies and programs to the grassroots level. Hon. Ojiho lauded the initiative as a vital step towards ensuring that the benefits of these policies are felt throughout the state, not just in the capital.
Adding to the discussion, the State Security Adviser, Northern Senatorial District, Comptroller Joseph Ochelebe, stressed the importance of a cross-agency relationship between the security ecosystem and the transport sector. He highlighted that such collaboration is essential for maintaining security and efficiency within the transport system, advocating for a unified approach to tackle challenges and improve overall safety for commuters and operators alike.
The meeting saw a diverse attendance, including heads of local government councils (HOLGA), Northern District Community Relations Officers, representatives from various security agencies, and leaders of the transport union. This broad representation ensured that the discussions were comprehensive and inclusive, addressing the concerns and insights of all relevant parties.
The stakeholders’ meeting marks a significant step in fostering better coordination between the transport and security sectors in Cross River State, promising improved regulation, security, and service delivery in the transport industry across the Northern District.