The Abia State Internal Revenue Service (AIRS) has said that it has suspended the compulsory weekly ticket payments arrangements, which were to be introduced for operators of tricycle, popularly known as Keke NAPEP, commercial vehicle operators and motorcyclists in the state.
The suspension, which was signed by Professor Udochukwu Ogbonna, the executive chairman of AIRS, said that the suspension takes immediate effect.
The press release by the AIRS chairman read: “Further to our previous announcement dated 12/04/24, the Abia State Internal Revenue Service (IRS) hereby announces the suspension of the compulsory weekly tickets for Keke tricycle operators, motor cycle operators and commercial vehicle operators effective immediately.
“Following feedback from stakeholders, we have reconsidered our previous decision and will maintain the daily ticket feature on our e-ticketing applications. All vendors and app providers are instructed to continue to enable the daily ticket feature.”
He, however, said that the monthly ticket remained unchanged.
Though the Abia revenue agency attributed the reversal to “feedback” it received from stakeholders, Keke NAPEP operators who spoke on the matter, told DAILY POST that the suspension was in response to the peaceful protests they did in Umuahia and Abia State Government house on Monday.
They thanked Governor Alex Otti for his immediate intervention on the matter and promised more support for his administration.
Abia IRS suspends compulsory weekly ticketing after Keke NAPEP riders’ protest