EDO STATE MUST ACT NOW: THE URGENT NEED TO SANCTION NON-COMPLIANT COMMERCIAL VEHICLE OPERATORS AND BAN TINTED GLASS IN PUBLIC TRANSPORT

EDO STATE MUST ACT NOW: THE URGENT NEED TO SANCTION NON-COMPLIANT COMMERCIAL VEHICLE OPERATORS AND BAN TINTED GLASS IN PUBLIC TRANSPORT

By Kingsley Opens

The security of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of every government. In recent times, however, growing concerns have emerged regarding the increasing use of commercial vehicles by criminal elements to perpetrate various forms of crime across Edo State. From reports of robberies and abductions to incidents involving the movement of suspicious persons under the guise of public transportation, there is a clear indication that loopholes within the state’s transport regulatory framework are being exploited by unscrupulous individuals.

One of the most disturbing aspects of this trend is the refusal of many commercial vehicle operators to comply with the officially approved colour codes designated for commercial transportation in Edo State. These colour specifications were not introduced merely for aesthetics or administrative convenience; they were established to create a clear system of identification that enables commuters, regulators, and security agencies to easily distinguish genuine commercial vehicles from unauthorized operators.

Unfortunately, the increasing disregard for this regulation has created a dangerous environment where virtually any vehicle can operate as a commercial transport service without immediate identification. This weakens regulatory oversight and makes it easier for criminal elements to blend into the transport system while carrying out unlawful activities. In many instances, victims and witnesses are unable to provide accurate descriptions of vehicles involved in criminal acts because such vehicles lack the distinct markings expected of registered commercial operators.

Equally concerning is the widespread use of tinted glass in commercial buses and other passenger vehicles operating within the state. While tinted windows may be permissible under certain regulated circumstances for private vehicles, their continued use in commercial transportation presents significant security risks. Public transport vehicles are designed to carry members of the public, and transparency should be a fundamental requirement of their operation.

Tinted glass obstructs visibility, making it difficult for security personnel, traffic enforcement officers, and even prospective passengers to observe activities taking place inside a vehicle. It provides a shield behind which criminal conduct can occur unnoticed and creates opportunities for offenders to conceal their identities. In a period when security challenges continue to evolve, government cannot afford to permit conditions that make criminal operations easier to execute and harder to detect.

The concern is not merely theoretical. Across various parts of the country, criminal networks have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to exploit weaknesses within transportation systems. Edo State must not wait until more lives are endangered before taking decisive action. Prevention remains far more effective and less costly than responding to the consequences of avoidable security failures.

It is therefore imperative for the Edo State Government to immediately strengthen enforcement mechanisms relating to commercial vehicle operations. Operators who refuse to comply with approved commercial colour codes should face strict sanctions, including substantial fines, vehicle impoundment, suspension of operating rights, and, where necessary, prosecution. Regulations that exist only on paper serve little purpose if they are not backed by consistent and visible enforcement.

Furthermore, the government should implement a comprehensive ban on tinted glass for all commercial passenger vehicles operating within the state. Such a policy would significantly improve visibility, enhance passenger confidence, and assist security agencies in monitoring activities within public transport vehicles. Compliance should be mandatory and non-negotiable, with clearly defined timelines and penalties for violations.

Beyond enforcement, there is also a need for collaboration among transport unions, security agencies, local government authorities, and community stakeholders to ensure that only properly registered and identifiable vehicles are allowed to operate commercially. Technology-driven identification systems, improved vehicle databases, and routine compliance inspections should become integral parts of transport administration in the state.

The safety of citizens cannot be compromised for convenience. Every day that non-compliant commercial vehicles continue to operate without scrutiny represents another opportunity for criminal elements to exploit the system. Edo State has long been recognized for its resilience, enterprise, and commitment to progress. Preserving those values requires proactive measures that place public safety above all else.

The time for warnings and appeals has passed. What is required now is firm action. By enforcing commercial vehicle colour regulations and eliminating the use of tinted glass in public transportation, the Edo State Government will send a clear message that security is not negotiable and that public transportation must serve the interests of law-abiding citizens rather than provide cover for criminal activity.

The people of Edo State deserve a transportation system that is safe, accountable, transparent, and secure. The responsibility to make that happen rests squarely with those entrusted with the governance and protection of the state. The moment to act is now.