Anambra Assembly Passes Commuter Manifest Law, Sets May 25 Commencement Date

The Anambra State House of Assembly has passed the Anambra State Commuters Manifest Scheme Bill 2026 into law, introducing a mandatory passenger record system aimed at strengthening road safety and improving transport accountability across the state.

The Bill was passed during plenary presided over by Speaker Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Nkem Udeze, after clause-by-clause consideration at the Committee of the Whole and subsequent unanimous approval at third reading.

Sponsoring lawmaker, Hon. Jude Chimezie Ngobili, alongside co-sponsors, was commended for what the Speaker described as a two-year legislative effort aimed at enhancing passenger safety and emergency response mechanisms within the transport sector.

Under the new law, scheduled to take effect on May 25, 2026, all passengers on commercial vehicles are required to have their details—name, contact information, address, and next of kin—recorded in an official manifest before travel.

The scheme introduces a mandatory safety levy of ₦100 for intra-city trips and ₦200 for inter-state journeys. It also provides compensation in the event of accidents, including ₦200,000 for death or permanent disability and ₦50,000 for medical expenses, payable within 14 days to duly registered passengers.

Transport operators are required to maintain accurate passenger manifests and ensure every vehicle is equipped with a functional first aid kit and fire extinguisher. Non-compliance attracts penalties of up to ₦200,000 or imprisonment.

Ten per cent of revenue generated from the scheme is allocated to park management and maintenance.

The Assembly said the initiative is designed to eliminate anonymity in public transportation and provide a structured safety net for commuters across the state.

Source: Franklin Osankwa, April 30, 2026.