The Abia State Government has urged members of the Abia State Tricycle Operators Union (ASTOPU), Aba Zone, to uphold traffic regulations and embrace safe driving practices to improve road safety across the state.

The Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu, made the appeal on Monday during a one-day safety seminar organised for tricycle operators in Aba.

Represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport, Associate Prof. Obioma Reuben Nwogbe, the commissioner encouraged participants to see the training as an opportunity to gain valuable knowledge that would improve both their safety and professional skills rather than treating it as a routine exercise.

He said the state government expects tricycle operators to play a more active role in promoting safe and responsible transportation, reaffirming the commitment of the Governor Alex Otti administration to developing a modern, orderly and efficient transport system in Abia.

According to Ukaegbu, achieving that vision requires the cooperation of transport operators, unions, regulatory agencies and other stakeholders.

He expressed confidence that such collaboration would help reduce road accidents, boost public confidence in the transport sector and contribute to building a transportation system that aligns with the vision of the New Abia.

The commissioner explained that the seminar covered key areas including defensive driving, road safety, security awareness, tricycle maintenance, financial management and other practical aspects of transport operations.

The Divisional Police Officer of Abayi Division, Aba, CSP Okereke Amos, described the training as a commendable initiative and called for it to be held regularly.

He also encouraged tricycle operators to learn how to provide useful information to security agencies to support efforts to combat insecurity across the state.

Speaking on behalf of the Abia State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Assistant Commander of Narcotics in charge of Prevention, Sensitisation and Training, Frank Nwaohamuo, urged operators to stay away from drug abuse, noting that driving under the influence of drugs increases the risk of road accidents.

Also addressing participants, the Unit Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Aba, Uduma Uduma, said the seminar was designed to promote a safer road environment.

He advised operators to maintain their tricycles properly and comply with traffic rules and regulations to enhance safety for both drivers and passengers.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Abia State Tricycle Operators Union (ASTOPU), Comrade Victor Azubuike, said the seminar was organised to educate members on the knowledge and best practices required to ensure safety and security while operating on the roads.

Some participants, including Unit Chairman Chinagorom Azu and the Chairman of the High Life Cemetery Unit, Pastor Victor Mbah, said the training was beneficial, noting that they gained useful knowledge on safe driving, avoiding drug abuse, protecting passengers, health insurance and general road safety.

They also commended Governor Alex Otti for ongoing road improvement projects across the state and appreciated the leadership of ASTOPU, Aba Zone, for organising the seminar.