Why Abia State Government Is Restricting Tricycle, Motorcycle Operations

The Abia State Government has announced new restrictions on the operation of tricycles and motorcycles in Aba and Umuahia, effective from July 1, 2024. The vehicles, commonly known as "keke" and "okada," will not be permitted to operate between the hours of 7 PM and 6 AM daily. This decision was announced by Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, during a news conference following a meeting with stakeholders in the state's transport sector.

Prince Nwachukwu explained that the primary goal of this restriction is to enhance the security and safety of the state's residents. He highlighted that the decision was made in response to numerous reports of criminal activities, including pickpocketing and robbery, which often involve these modes of transport.

"A lot of issues have been reported about criminal activities. By the reports that are available to security agencies, most of these robberies, most of these attacks are happening in the evening hours, late night hours, and very early morning hours in the cities," Nwachukwu stated. "The state government has decided to curb the operations of the criminals who use this means of transport to perpetrate criminal activities."

In addition to the operational restrictions, the state government has established a committee led by Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah (Rtd), the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security. This committee, comprising selected government officials, will ensure compliance with the compulsory registration of all tricycles, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles. The initiative aims to identify the real owners or operators of these vehicles for security purposes.

"The state government also believes that it has to know exactly who is operating within our environment," Nwachukwu added. "And so by that reason, all commercial vehicles, Okada, tricycles called Keke, mini buses, full buses, whatever anybody is using to run as a commercial vehicle will now be enumerated and registered so that in the instances of criminal activities government would know whose vehicle is responsible."

The Commissioner further mentioned that the government has met with executives of relevant tricycle and motorcycle unions, urging all residents to comply with the new regulations. He assured that the government would review the restrictions when necessary and implement the policy with consideration, ensuring no innocent individuals are victimized.

Supporting the government's decision, union leaders such as Mr. Azubuike Victor, Chairman of the Tricycles Union in Aba Zone, Godson Chinwotito, Chairman of the Tricycle Union in Umuahia Zone, and Ugbaja Chiemela, Chairman of the Motorcycles Union, endorsed the new policy. They praised the government for involving them in the decision-making process and committed to ensuring their members adhere to the new operational hours.

The press conference was also attended by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Okey Kanu, and other government officials.