The Anambra State House of Assembly has passed a law mandating compulsory passenger documentation for all commercial transport in a bid to strengthen safety, accountability, and emergency response across the state’s road network.
The Anambra State Commuters Manifest Scheme Law 2026 will take effect on May 25.
The legislation, approved during plenary presided over by Speaker Somtochukwu Udeze, requires transport operators, both intra-city and inter-state,to record passengers’ names, phone numbers, addresses, and next-of-kin details before each trip.
Lawmakers say the measure addresses longstanding gaps in a largely informal transport system where the absence of passenger records has often hindered rescue operations and post-accident support.
Under the new law, commuters will pay a standardised safety fee of ₦100 for trips within the state and ₦200 for inter-state journeys.
Authorities say the levy will fund the administration of the scheme and improve emergency response capacity.
The law also establishes a compensation framework for passengers involved in accidents.
It provides ₦200,000 for cases of death or permanent disability and ₦50,000 for medical expenses, with payments required within 14 days, provided the passenger was registered in the manifest.
To support implementation, 10 percent of revenue generated from the scheme will be allocated to motor park operators and management bodies, a provision officials say is intended to encourage compliance and improve operational oversight.
Transport operators are required to carry a completed manifest for every trip and equip vehicles with basic safety items, including first aid kits and fire extinguishers. Violations could attract fines of up to ₦200,000, imprisonment, or both.
Public Awareness
The state government has directed the relevant regulatory agency to begin a public awareness campaign ahead of enforcement, urging commuters to see the safety fee as a safeguard rather than an added cost.
Officials describe the law as a step toward formalising the transport sector and eliminating anonymous travel, though its effectiveness is expected to depend on enforcement and public compliance after implementation begins later this month.
