The Enugu State Government has unveiled plans to restrict the movement of tricycles, popularly known as Keke, along with yellow buses and minibuses across five major highway corridors in the state capital. The move is part of a broader strategy to introduce a fully functional Bus Rapid Transit system that will transform urban mobility in the state.
The Commissioner for Transport, Dr Obi Ozor, made the announcement during a consultative meeting with transport unions and other key stakeholders at the ministry’s headquarters in Enugu on Monday.
He listed the newly designated corridors as Okpara Avenue to Abakaliki Road through New Haven Junction to Naira Triangle and onward to Emene Airport; Ogui Road to Chime Avenue and Naira Triangle; and New Haven Junction to Bisala Road through Rangers Avenue to WAEC, Nkpokiti, and Zik Avenue.
Also affected are the Ogui Road to Presidential Road axis through WAEC and Nkpokiti, as well as the entire stretch of Agbani Road. These routes, according to the commissioner, will be reserved for the Bus Rapid Transit system in line with Governor Peter Mbah’s goal of building a modern, multimodal, and globally competitive city. Taxis will still be permitted to use these corridors.
Dr Ozor explained that tricycles were not engineered for high speed roadways and their continued use on such routes creates congestion, increases travel time, and heightens safety risks for passengers and other road users. He emphasized that the state was undergoing a necessary reorganisation rather than displacing transport operators.
“This reform is not about taking away anyone’s job. It is about restructuring the transport system so that BRT buses dominate major roads, yellow buses operate across secondary routes, and tricycles handle last mile connections. Every operator still has a place within the transport value chain,” he said.
The commissioner further disclosed that the state has acquired two hundred CNG powered BRT buses and four thousand electric taxis which will be assembled locally at ANAMMCO in Enugu. The first batch of one thousand taxis is expected to roll out within three months.
He added that the administration has also constructed eighty four new bus shelters across the city, forming part of a safer, cleaner, and more comfortable transit network. With more than two million daily commuters, he noted that Enugu requires a minimum of eight thousand buses to adequately serve its population.
The new BRT buses come equipped with padded seats, air conditioning, WiFi services, and advanced safety features. They are also configured to ensure that passengers do not stand while the bus is in motion, with each vehicle monitored from a central command and control centre. To ease the cost of transportation, the government has introduced a forty seven percent fare discount.
Dr Ozor also disclosed resolutions reached at the meeting. Transport unions interested in participating in BRT operations or terminal management are expected to submit proposals detailing their financial plans for government review.
He announced that the Ije Card, the state’s electronic fare system, will be expanded to reach as many as five million residents within ninety days through new and decentralized sale points.
The commissioner also addressed delays in the allocation of loading bays at newly constructed terminals. He assured operators that all pending proposals are currently being reviewed and would be concluded soon.
He encouraged unions to explore funding opportunities that would allow them to purchase buses or partner directly with the state under the BRT model.
“There are enormous investment opportunities as Enugu expands its transport links to neighbouring cities,” he stated.
Stakeholders from various transport unions expressed support for the government’s reform plans. The Enugu State Chairman of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, Comrade Chidiebere Aniagu, said the union supports the transformation agenda and recognizes its long term benefits. He however appealed to the government to address concerns raised by their members.
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