Akwa Ibom Assembly Moves Against Unregistered Dispatch Riders, Declares Concern Over Oron Erosion Crisis

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has called for stricter enforcement of regulations governing dispatch riding services across the state while also demanding urgent intervention to address the worsening gully erosion threatening communities in Oron Local Government Area.

The resolutions were adopted during plenary following the consideration of separate motions presented by lawmakers.

The first motion, sponsored by Ukpong Akpabio, representing Essien Udim State Constituency, focused on the need to enforce industry regulations and guidelines on unregistered dispatch riders operating within the state.

Following extensive debate, the House directed the Ministry of Transport to immediately begin a comprehensive review of existing operational guidelines for dispatch riding services. The review is expected to identify and sanction operators who are not properly registered.

Lawmakers also mandated the House Committee on Works and Transport to monitor and ensure full compliance with the resolution.

Presenting the motion, Akpabio highlighted growing security concerns, revenue losses, and unfair business practices linked to the activities of unregistered dispatch riders, stressing the need for stricter regulation of the sector.

In a separate motion of urgent public importance, sponsored by Kenim Onofiok, representing Oron/Udung Uko State Constituency, the Assembly raised alarm over the severe gully erosion affecting parts of Oron Local Government Area.

The House called on the state government, through the Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources, to immediately declare a state of emergency on the affected erosion sites.

Lawmakers further urged the rapid deployment of civil engineering contractors to carry out emergency shoreline stabilisation, drainage channelisation, and other remedial works aimed at preventing further destruction.

The Assembly also appealed to the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide immediate relief materials and implement temporary relocation measures for residents whose lives and properties are at risk.

In addition, the House urged the state government to work closely with the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Ecological Project Office to secure funding and implement long-term solutions to permanently address the environmental challenge.

To ensure swift action, the House directed its Committee on Environment and Mineral Resources to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the affected areas and submit practical recommendations for consideration.

Speaker of the House, Udeme Otong, subsequently directed the Clerk of the Assembly, Nsikak Orok, to communicate the resolutions to the relevant authorities for immediate implementation.