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The Rivers State Government has issued a final warning to operators of commercial taxis, buses and tricycles to repaint their vehicles in the approved state colours before October 31, 2026, or risk having them impounded.
The directive was contained in a statement by the Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Transport, Dr. Vera Ndidi Sam-Dike.
The ministry said enforcement of the directive would commence on November 1, with commercial vehicles that fail to comply liable to immediate seizure.
Sam-Dike explained that the approved colour scheme was introduced as a safety and security measure to enable passengers easily identify legitimate commercial vehicles and assist security agencies in monitoring public transportation.
She added that impounded vehicles would not be allowed back into service until their owners complied with the painting requirement and paid all applicable fines.
The Permanent Secretary urged operators who require further information, including details of workshops offering subsidised painting services, to contact the Head of the Land Transportation Department, Engr. Andrew Alapuberesisika.
The ministry also thanked transport union leaders and vehicle owners who had already complied with the directive, following an earlier stakeholders’ town hall meeting held to address concerns surrounding the state colour scheme.
