The Anambra State government has appealed to commercial transportation operators throughout the state to back its drive to eliminate the sit-at-home order by resuming complete operations every Monday.

The Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, made the call during a one-day training and retraining programme for commercial drivers and riders held in Awka on Tuesday.

He stressed that transporters’ full participation was essential to successfully ending the sit-at-home practice across Anambra.

Mefor highlighted the vital contribution of the transport sector in revitalising the state’s economy, particularly on Mondays.

He said, “The transport sector is key in helping to take back our Mondays. Traders are complying with the government’s efforts but struggle with transportation, affecting their businesses and customers.

“The traders are complying, but they are complaining that the lack of adequate commercial vehicles makes it difficult for them and their customers to operate optimally.

“The civil servants are now working on Mondays, banks are opening, and even schools are functioning. The Main Market is 100 per cent operational on Mondays. The transport sector is the only one slacking.”

The commissioner encouraged transporters to embrace this moment to align with the state government’s initiative, thereby aiding economic advancement.

He added that such support would enhance their own earnings while fostering a more dynamic and thriving Anambra as the state reclaims its Mondays.

While declaring the programme open, the Commissioner for Transport and host, Patricia Igwebuike, stated that the training sought to update commercial drivers and riders on essential road safety rules and best practices.

The event was organised by the Ministry of Transport in collaboration with Rotary International District 9142.

It focused on providing drivers and riders with the required skills and awareness to operate efficiently within the state’s transportation system.