Abia Electric Buses To Complement Tricycle Operations, Government

The Abia State Government has reassured members of the Abia State Tricycle Operators Union (ASTOPU) that the electric buses being rolled out across the state are designed to support existing transport services, not displace them.

The Commissioner for Transport, Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu, gave the assurance on Tuesday at the Aba Town Hall during the 2025 ASTOPU reward and empowerment ceremony.

Ukaegbu said the introduction of electric buses would not threaten the livelihood of tricycle operators but would instead enhance the overall transport system in the state. He commended tricycle operators, particularly those in Aba, for their consistent support of the government, while urging them to prioritise their personal safety and avoid alcohol while on duty.

He added that the Ministry of Transport, working alongside the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation, would continue to safeguard the interests of tricycle operators and encouraged the ASTOPU leadership to sustain its progressive vision.

Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation, Dr Obioma Nwaogbe, said tricycle operators had shown strong commitment to the present administration, especially through cooperation in revenue generation. He noted that the union was positioned to benefit from further government interventions beyond infrastructure development due to its positive performance.

In separate goodwill messages, the Area Commander of the Aba Divisional Police, ACP Ajayi Kayode, represented by the Divisional Police Officer, and the Federal Road Safety Corps Commander, Aba Unit, U.O. Uduma, praised ASTOPU for its sustained collaboration with security agencies. They said the partnership had improved road safety and reduced traffic accidents, while cautioning motorists against reckless driving and excessive speeding.

The Chief Executive Officer of Abia SME Microfinance Bank, Chimeremeze Okeigbo, encouraged tricycle operators who were yet to be enumerated to complete the process, citing the security and economic advantages of proper documentation.

Similarly, the Aba Coordinator of the Abia State Harmonised Taskforce, Chief Uche Nwogu, represented by Prince Emma Ahumibe, alongside the Abia State Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Comrade Chukwuma Azodo, applauded the state government for ongoing road rehabilitation projects, which they said had improved transportation conditions in Aba.

Earlier, ASTOPU Chairman, Comrade Victor Azubuike, explained that the ceremony was organised to honour operators who returned items forgotten by passengers. He disclosed that 164 tricycle operators returned lost belongings to their owners, describing the act as a demonstration of integrity and public trust.

Highlights of the event included the presentation of bags of rice to the 164 operators and the award of plaques to key stakeholders who have supported the union. Some beneficiaries, including Mark Onyekachi, Ife Donatus and Cyprian Ughasoro, praised the ASTOPU leadership and pledged continued support for both the state government and the union.