Cross River government orders strict compliance with approved commercial vehicle colours, warning operators of sanctions from January 31, 2026

The Cross River State Government has ordered all commercial vehicle operators in the state to comply strictly with the use of officially approved state colours, warning that enforcement and sanctions will commence on January 31, 2026.

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The directive was announced in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Ministry of Transportation and signed by the Commissioner for Transportation, Ene Cobham, in Calabar.

The state government said the policy forms part of a broader resolve to sanitise the transport sector, strengthen public safety and improve regulation across the industry.

According to the ministry, the directive applies to all categories of commercial vehicles, transport unions and other stakeholders operating within Cross River State.

It stressed that the government will no longer tolerate the use or reintroduction of vehicles painted in unauthorised colours.

The ministry explained that the adoption of approved colours, alongside a mandatory security number system, is designed to promote uniformity, enhance monitoring and curb criminal activities involving commercial vehicles.

“The ministry does not recognise the reintroduction of off-colours or any deviation from the approved state colours,” the statement said, adding that appropriate sanctions would be imposed on defaulters once enforcement begins.

Officials said the policy would help safeguard lives and property while aligning the transport sector with the state government’s vision of a clean, safe and well-regulated system.

Commercial vehicle operators were urged to regularise their vehicles and cooperate fully with relevant authorities ahead of the enforcement deadline to avoid penalties.

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The government recalled that in January it directed commercial vehicles to adopt the state’s iconic blue and white colours as part of efforts to enhance public safety and streamline transportation across the state.