The state government has directed mechanics, spare parts dealers, motor traders and other automotive businesses to obtain special trade licences or risk prosecution for non-compliance.
The Anambra State Ministry of Transport has introduced mandatory registration and a special trade licence for motor vehicle traders and service providers operating across the state, warning that non-compliant operators may face prosecution.
The directive covers businesses operating in major automotive markets in Onitsha, Nnewi and Awka, as part of efforts to strengthen regulation, improve documentation, ensuring that operators in the sector are properly captured in the state government’s database.
Speaking with journalists on Sept. 16, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport, Engr. Marcel Obiekwe, said the registration exercise would help ensure that businesses operate legally while enabling government to better identify, regulate and support operators in the sector.
He added that proper registration would strengthen compliance and enhance customer confidence by helping members of the public identify businesses operating within the regulatory framework.
The affected businesses include auto mechanics and workshops, spare parts dealers, vulcanisers, vehicle painters, auto-electricians and battery technicians.
Others are motor dealers, heavy-duty equipment dealers, vehicle assemblers, fabricators, cannibalizers and Ngbuka scrap-parts dealers.
Ngbuka dealers are traders who deal mainly in used, salvaged or second-hand vehicle parts, often obtained from dismantled or damaged vehicles and sold for reuse or repairs.
According to the ministry, there is currently no deadline for completing the registration. However, operators who fail to comply may, after due notification, face prosecution at the Anambra State Revenue Court.
The ministry advised all affected businesses to contact the designated registration authorities of the Ministry of Transport and complete the prescribed registration process to obtain the special trade licence.
The exercise is expected to strengthen government oversight of the automotive sector, promote compliance and contribute to a more organised and accountable trading environment across Anambra State.
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