By Rosemary Okoduwa
The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to public sector welfare and transportation reforms, insisting that teachers and other civil servants under its employment are paid promptly while announcing stricter enforcement of transport regulations across the state.
The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Kassim Afegbua, made the disclosure during a press briefing in Benin City alongside the Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Saturday Uwuilekhue, and the Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Hon. Festus Ebea.
Afegbua dismissed reports alleging that teachers were being owed salaries, describing such claims as false and misleading.
According to him, salary payments and workers’ welfare remain a top priority of the Governor Monday Okpebholo administration.
He noted that the government has employed over 5,000 teachers, about 2,000 health workers, and 2,500 personnel of the Edo Security Network since Governor Okpebholo assumed office, assuring that all workers are receiving their salaries as and when due.
The commissioner explained that any isolated case of non-payment involving an individual worker should be investigated on its merits rather than generalized as government indebtedness.
Speaking on transportation reforms, Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Saturday Uwuilekhue, reiterated that restrictions on commercial motorcycles and tricycles within Benin metropolis remain in force, stressing that such vehicles are limited to suburban areas and earth roads and are prohibited from operating on city highways and other restricted routes.
He also announced the continued enforcement of the ban on unpainted commercial vehicles across Edo State, noting that the policy is intended to ensure proper identification, regulation, and uniformity among transport operators.
As part of efforts to strengthen security and improve planning within the sector, Uwuilekhue disclosed that the ministry has commenced the profiling of commercial transport operators statewide. The exercise will create a comprehensive database of operators, while security identification numbers will be issued and displayed on commercial vehicles for easier identification and enhanced passenger safety.
The commissioner further warned against indiscriminate parking, unauthorized loading and offloading of passengers, and other activities that contribute to traffic congestion within the metropolis.
He also announced restrictions on the loading and offloading of goods by heavy-duty vehicles during daytime hours along major roads and market corridors to improve traffic flow and public safety.
Uwuilekhue revealed that the ministry is pursuing several Public-Private Partnership initiatives aimed at modernizing transportation services and infrastructure. These include plans to revitalize Edo Courier Services through New Edo Line, develop a modern parking facility in New Benin, establish a truck transit park, and introduce Edo Ride, a technology-driven ride-hailing service.
He called on residents and transport operators to comply with all regulations, emphasizing that the reforms are designed to promote safety, security, efficiency, and orderliness while supporting the economic development of Edo State.
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