The Delta State Commissioner for Transport, Onoriode Agofure, has inaugurated the Commercial Motorcycles and Tricycles Owners Association (COMTOA) Taskforce Monitoring Team across the state, with a charge to restore order, enhance revenue generation, and ensure discipline within the transport sector.
The event, which took place at the State Secretariat, marks a new phase in the regulation of commercial motorcycle and tricycle operations.
Commissioner Agofure reminded members that before the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, COMTOA had been suspended but was revived under the current government to strengthen transport coordination and boost internally generated revenue.
“You must respect your superiors and work with sincerity,” Agofure told the taskforce members. “There are many fake taskforces. You must identify and remove them. Enforce genuine daily ticket collection because the government needs revenue to sustain its numerous projects. No one should sell fake tickets.”
The Commissioner emphasized collaboration with other government agencies, including the Delta State Traffic Management Authority (DESMA), Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), and security agencies such as the police and army.
He also underscored the importance of rider welfare, especially in areas like Warri, where he noted ongoing controversies among transport operators.
“Riders should not only buy tickets but also have their welfare properly taken care of,” he said. “We must be organized. Riders should wear aprons, use official stickers, and follow the blue colour code. Coordination and discipline are key.”
He further warned against traffic violations, particularly one-way driving and running against traffic lights, stressing that taskforce members must lead by example. “You are called to responsibility,” he added. “Ensure your people obey traffic rules and do not beat traffic lights.”
In his remarks, the State Secretary of COMTOA, Comrade Afatakpa Emmanuel, described the inauguration as a step towards reorganizing the association and strengthening its relationship with the Ministry of Transport.
“Today is a good day for us,” Afatakpa said. “We are here to reorganize our association and build a better working relationship with the commissioner and the state government.
“There will be regular orientation and training, weekly or monthly, to ensure that members conduct themselves responsibly. If we cause trouble, it reflects on the governor, so we must maintain peace and discipline.”
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Delta State Traffic Management Authority (DESMA), Chief Peter Idion, urged the newly inaugurated task force to uphold traffic laws and prioritize safety.
“They should stop beating traffic lights and avoid one-way driving,” he cautioned. “Their work must align with state laws. The government is doing a lot to support them and save lives, so they must reciprocate by showing respect to passengers, security agencies, and all arms of government.”
The inauguration underscores the Oborevwori administration’s commitment to improving transportation management, curbing revenue leakages, and promoting safety on Delta State roads.
