Anambra Assembly Passes Commuter Manifest Bill; New Law to Take Effect May 25
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In a decisive move to bolster passenger safety and modernize the state’s transport architecture, the Anambra State House of Assembly on Tuesday, April 30, 2026, officially passed the Anambra State Commuters Manifest Scheme Bill 2026 into law.
The session, presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Nkem Udeze PhD, saw the House dissolve into a Committee of the Whole for a meticulous, clause-by-clause consideration of the Bill. After several strategic amendments to ensure the Law meets global best practices, it was read for the Third Time and passed with unanimous support.
The Speaker congratulated the lead sponsor, Hon. Jude Chimezie Ngobili, and his co-sponsors, noting that the legislation was the result of two years of dedicated legislative work aimed at protecting the lives and dignity of Ndi Anambra on the road.
For years, commuters in the region have faced uncertainties in the event of road mishaps, often with no formal record of their journey or next-of-kin details. This Law changes that. By institutionalizing a mandatory manifest system, the State Government is creating a safety net that ensures every fare-paying passenger is accounted for, protected, and entitled to support in times of crisis.
To ensure a smooth transition when the Law takes effect on May 25, 2026, here are the essential highlights:
Mandatory Registration: Every passenger boarding a commercial vehicle for intra-city or inter-state travel must have their details (Name, Phone Number, Address, and Next of Kin) recorded in an official manifest.
The Cost of Safety:The Law introduces a nominal safety fee of ₦100 for intra-city travels and ₦200 for inter-state/cross-country journeys.
Guaranteed Compensation/Ward: In any unfortunate event of an accident, manifested passengers (or their families) are entitled to: ₦200,000 for death or permanent disability; ₦50,000 for medical expenses; and Prompt payment within 14 days of the incident.
Stakeholder Equity: To ensure the sustainability of the scheme and the maintenance of motor parks, *10% of the revenue* is specifically allocated back to the park management/owners, fostering a "Company of Owners" spirit.
Compliance & Penalties: Transporters are now legally required to carry a completed manifest and maintain a functional *First Aid Kit* and Fire Extinguisher in every vehicle. Failure to comply can result in fines up to ₦200,000 or imprisonment.
The Agency in charge of the scheme is mandated to begin an immediate state-wide public awareness campaign. Passengers are encouraged to view the ₦100/₦200 fee not as a tax, but as a social license - a small contribution that provides significant insurance and peace of mind for every trip taken within or outside the state.
As the Law comes into force on May 25, 2026 the Anambra State Government reaffirms its commitment to making the state's transport sector the safest and most organized in the federation. This is more than a Bill; it is a covenant between the state and its citizens to ensure that no one travels in anonymity and no one is left behind in a moment of tragedy.
By Franklin Osankwa
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