The Abia State Government has clarified that it has not banned the operation of tricycles, popularly known as keke, across the state.

The state Commissioner for Transport, Chimezie Ukaegbu, made the clarification on Friday following concerns arising from a statement he issued on Thursday regarding the activities of tricycle operators and the numerous motor parks in Umuahia, the state capital.

Ukaegbu explained that the restriction applies specifically to the use of tricycles for long-distance passenger transportation to destinations including Owerri, Obowo, Mbaise and Arochukwu.

According to the commissioner, the measure was introduced to protect both passengers and operators, noting that tricycles were not designed for long-distance journeys and could pose safety risks when used for such trips.

“The government remains committed to ensuring safe, regulated, and efficient transportation across the state,” he said.

In the earlier directive, the government had stated that tricycle operators plying routes from Umuahia to Obowo, Owerri, Ohafia and Arochukwu were prohibited from doing so.

It warned that any operator found violating the directive would be arrested and have the tricycle impounded.

The government also warned operators of parks located outside the Nnenna-Oti Bus Terminal in Umuahia to relocate to the designated terminal.

According to the government, any park operating outside the Nnenna-Oti Bus Terminal would be sealed and fined, while vehicles found at such locations would be impounded and offenders prosecuted.

Ukaegbu warned that the government would not tolerate disobedience by park operators and urged all affected operators to comply with the directive.

The Abia State Harmonised Task Force and transport unions have also been directed to ensure compliance with the government’s transportation regulations.

The government further stated that the operation of Akanelu, involving pick-and-drop services by long-distance commercial vehicles, had been banned in the state.

Meanwhile, long-distance tricycle operators have appealed to the state government to allow them to continue operating alongside the state’s Green Shuttle buses.

The operators said the business was their only source of livelihood and asked the government to consider their situation.