C’River: Otu Separates VIO, TRAMRA Functions to Curb Motorists’ Harassment
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has approved the return of the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) to the roads to resume its statutory duties, while restricting the Cross River State Traffic Management and Regulatory Agency (TRAMRA) to traffic management and control to prevent overlapping responsibilities and curb the harassment of motorists.
Announcing the decision in a press release, the Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor, Linus Obogo, said the approval followed a meeting with key stakeholders in the transportation sector.
Under the new directive, the VIO will resume its statutory responsibilities, including vehicle roadworthiness inspections, mechanical safety assessments, driver testing, accident investigations and licensing-related tests.
TRAMRA, on the other hand, will be restricted to traffic management and control, with responsibilities covering the enforcement of regulations against illegal parking, traffic flow management, traffic light violations and the maintenance of order on public roads.
The clarification establishes distinct operational boundaries for both agencies, ensuring that vehicle inspections and technical safety assessments remain within the VIO’s mandate, while TRAMRA concentrates on regulating traffic movement and maintaining order on the roads.
According to the state government, the decision is intended to promote professionalism, strengthen road safety and eliminate the duplication of responsibilities that could expose motorists to unnecessary harassment and extortion.
The government emphasised that both agencies must operate strictly within their lawful mandates, with their activities guided by the need to protect motorists, enforce road safety regulations and improve the management of public roads across the state.
The restoration of the VIO’s road operations is expected to strengthen vehicle roadworthiness inspections and facilitate the identification of mechanical defects that could endanger drivers, passengers and other road users.
Similarly, the clarification of TRAMRA’s responsibilities is expected to enhance traffic regulation, improve vehicular movement and promote orderly use of public roads throughout Cross River State.
By separating vehicle inspection functions from traffic management and control, the Otu administration seeks to minimise jurisdictional conflicts, improve inter-agency coordination and establish a more efficient system of road administration.
The directive also reinforces the expectation that public agencies must discharge their responsibilities professionally, transparently and in accordance with the law, without subjecting members of the public to unnecessary inconvenience.
The government said the new arrangement was designed to serve the best interests of motorists and the general public, urging both agencies to respect their respective mandates and work towards safer roads and more effective traffic management.
