The Abia State Government has clarified that it has not banned the operation of tricycles, popularly known as keke, across the state.
The government, however, said tricycle operators would no longer be allowed to use their vehicles for long-distance passenger transportation from Umuahia to destinations including Owerri, Obowo, Mbaise and Arochukwu.
The state Commissioner for Transport, Chimezie Ukaegbu, made the clarification on Friday following an earlier statement issued on Thursday concerning the activities of tricycle operators and the proliferation of parks in Umuahia.
Ukaegbu explained that the restriction was specifically targeted at long-distance passenger services and did not amount to a total ban on tricycle operations within the state.
He said the measure was introduced to protect passengers and operators, arguing that tricycles were not designed for long-distance journeys and could expose road users to safety risks.
“The government remains committed to ensuring safe, regulated, and efficient transportation across the state,” the commissioner said.
In the earlier directive, the government ordered all keke operators travelling from Umuahia to Obowo, Owerri, Ohafia and Arochukwu to stop such operations with immediate effect.
It warned that any operator who violated the directive would be arrested and have their tricycle impounded.
The government also directed operators of transport parks located outside the Nnenna-Oti Bus Terminal in Umuahia to relocate to the modern terminal.
According to the directive, any illegal park that failed to comply would be sealed and fined, while vehicles found operating from such locations would be impounded and offenders prosecuted.
Ukaegbu further warned park operators against disobeying the government’s directive, stressing that the administration would take enforcement measures against those who refused to comply.
The Abia State Harmonised Task Force and transport unions have been directed to enforce the directive.
The government also maintained its ban on the operation of “Akanelu”, a system involving pick-and-drop services by long-distance commercial vehicles.
Meanwhile, some long-distance keke operators have appealed to the state government to reconsider the restriction and allow them to operate alongside the state-owned Green Shuttle buses.
The operators said the business remained their major source of livelihood and urged the government to consider a regulated arrangement that would allow them to continue operating while addressing safety concerns.
