Abia State Clarifies Tricycle Operation Restrictions

The Abia State Government, through the Commissioner for Transport, Chimezie Ukaegbu, clarified on Friday that it has not imposed a ban on tricycles, commonly known as keke, in the state. However, the government warned that parks operating outside the Nnenna-Oti Bus Terminal in Umuahia would face sealing and fines, while vehicles found at these parks would be impounded, and offenders prosecuted.

The restrictions specifically apply to the use of tricycles for long-distance passenger transport to areas such as Owerri, Obowo, Mbaise, and Arochukwu, due to safety concerns, as tricycles are not designed for such travel. Ukaegbu emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring safe and regulated transportation.

The directive takes immediate effect, and non-compliance by park operators could lead to legal consequences. The Abia State Harmonised Task Force and transport unions have been tasked with enforcing these regulations.