Government Dismisses Keke Ban Rumours, Says Tricycle Operations Will Continue
The Abia State Government has dismissed reports suggesting that it is planning to ban commercial tricycles, popularly known as Keke, across the State, describing the reports as unfounded.
The Government said there is currently no plan to stop the operation of commercial tricycles, stressing that its priority is to improve the State’s transportation system and ensure that commercial vehicles operate in an orderly, efficient and sanitary manner.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, made the clarification while briefing journalists at the Government House, Umuahia, on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
According to Kanu, the administration would not allow itself to be pressured into taking a decision to ban Keke operations when there is no compelling reason to do so.
He explained that rather than imposing a blanket ban, the government was concentrating on streamlining the activities of commercial vehicles and tricycles as part of efforts to improve transportation and reduce congestion in major urban centres.
The Commissioner noted that the number of Keke operators in the state had increased considerably following restrictions placed on their operations in some neighbouring states.
He said the development had naturally resulted in more tricycles operating on Abia roads, but maintained that the increase in their numbers should not be interpreted as an indication that the government intends to ban them.
Kanu stressed that the state government’s approach was to regulate and organise the sector in a manner that would benefit commuters, operators and other road users.
He said the administration was particularly concerned about maintaining a cleaner and more efficient transportation environment, while addressing traffic congestion in major cities.
The clarification is expected to ease concerns among thousands of commercial tricycle operators and residents who depend on Keke as an affordable means of transportation across Abia.
The Government therefore urged residents and transport operators to disregard reports suggesting that a ban was imminent, noting that no such decision had been taken by the State Executive Council.
Global Mirror News gathered that commercial tricycles remain an important component of intra-city transportation in many parts of Abia, providing an alternative for residents navigating areas where conventional commercial buses may be less accessible.
The Government’s position indicates that, for now, its focus remains on regulation, organisation and improved transportation management rather than outright prohibition of Keke operations.
