The Commissioner for Transport, Chimezie Ukaegbu, made the clarification on Friday following concerns generated by an earlier directive on the activities of tricycle operators and the proliferation of motor parks in Umuahia.
Ukaegbu explained that the restriction specifically applies to long-distance routes from Umuahia to destinations including Owerri, Obowo, Mbaise and Arochukwu.
According to the commissioner, the decision was taken primarily for safety reasons, noting that tricycles were not designed for long-distance journeys and could expose both passengers and operators to increased risks.
He stressed that the state government remained committed to providing a safe, regulated and efficient transportation system across Abia.
In the earlier directive, the government had announced restrictions on tricycle operations on routes connecting Umuahia with Obowo, Owerri, Ohafia and Arochukwu. Officials warned that operators who violated the directive could be arrested and have their vehicles impounded.
The government also addressed the operation of illegal motor parks in Umuahia. According to Ukaegbu, parks operating outside the Nnenna-Oti Bus Terminal would be sealed and fined, while vehicles found at such locations could be impounded and offenders prosecuted.
Transport operators were directed to relocate their activities to the ultra-modern Nnenna-Oti Bus Terminal.
The commissioner said the Abia State Harmonised Task Force and transport unions had been directed to enforce the government’s transportation directives.
The state government also reiterated its ban on Akanelu, a pick-and-drop service involving long-distance commercial vehicles, as part of efforts to improve transportation regulation.
Meanwhile, some affected long-distance tricycle operators have appealed to the government to reconsider the restriction.
The operators said keke transportation remains their major source of livelihood and asked the government to explore a solution that would address safety concerns without completely affecting their businesses.
They also proposed operating alongside the state-owned Green Shuttle buses, arguing that such an arrangement could provide room for both public transportation initiatives and existing operators.
The latest clarification means that keke operations remain permitted in Abia, but operators must comply with the restrictions on designated long-distance routes and the government’s regulations concerning motor parks.
They also proposed operating alongside the state-owned Green Shuttle buses, arguing that such an arrangement could provide room for both public transportation initiatives and existing operators.
The latest clarification means that keke operations remain permitted in Abia, but operators must comply with the restrictions on designated long-distance routes and the government’s regulations concerning motor parks.
Abia Bans Keke on Umuahia to Ohafia and Arochukwu Routes
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