Abah Felicity 
ABIA, Nigeria – The Abia keke restriction applies only to long-distance passenger operations and does not amount to a statewide ban on tricycles, the Abia State Government says.
Commissioner for Transport Chimezie Ukaegbu clarified the policy on Friday following public reactions to an earlier directive on the operations of commercial tricycles in Umuahia.
Ukaegbu says the restriction affects only tricycles conveying passengers on long-distance routes, including Owerri, Obowo, Mbaise and Arochukwu, because such journeys pose safety risks.
“The government remains committed to ensuring safe, regulated, and efficient transportation across the state.”
He explains that tricycles are not designed for long-distance travel and the measure is intended to protect both passengers and operators.
The government also warns operators of illegal parks that refuse to relocate to the Nnenna-Oti Bus Terminal that such parks will be sealed, offending vehicles impounded and violators prosecuted.
Authorities direct the Abia State Harmonised Task Force and transport unions to enforce compliance, including the ban on the Akanelu pick-and-drop system operated by long-distance commercial vehicles.
The clarification follows concerns that the government had banned commercial tricycle operations entirely.
Meanwhile, operators engaged in long-distance services appeal to the government to allow them to continue operating alongside the state’s Green Shuttle buses, arguing that the business remains their primary source of livelihood.
The state government maintains that the policy is designed to improve road safety, regulate transport services and ensure orderly operations across the state.
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Oluwatobi Adu