The Abia State Government has assured members of the Abia State Tricycle Operators Union (ASTOPU) that the introduction of electric buses is not intended to displace tricycle operators but to complement the existing transport system across the State.
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, where 164 tricycle operators were honoured for returning items forgotten by passengers.
Dr Ukaegbu said tricycle operators remain an integral part of the State’s trainsport Ecosystem, particularly in urban centres such as Aba, noting their significant contributions to internally generated revenue and last-mile mobility.
He commended ASTOPU members for their support for the administration of Governor Alex Otti and urged them to prioritise personal security, shun alcohol while on duty and continue to uphold professionalism.
The Commissioner assured them that the Ministry of Transport, in collaboration with the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport, would continue to protect their interests.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport, Dr Obioma Nwaogbe, described the level of cooperation shown by tricycle operators as commendable, particularly in revenue compliance.
He said the Union had demonstrated readiness to work with the present administration and would benefit further from government interventions beyond infrastructure development.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Area Commander, Aba Division, ACP Ajayi Kayode, represented by the Divisional Police Officer, and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Unit Commander in Aba, Mr U.O. Uduma, praised ASTOPU for its collaboration with Security Agencies in promoting road safety.
They noted significant improvement in road safety compliance and a reduction in road crashes, assuring the Union of continued partnership to safeguard road users.
Uduma cautioned motorists against speeding and reckless driving, stressing that most road crashes were caused by human error rather than mechanical failure.
He also commended Governor Alex Otti for the ongoing road rehabilitation across major corridors leading into Abia State.
The Chief Executive Officer of Abia SME Microfinance Bank, Mr Chimeremeze Okeigbo, thanked tricycle operators in Aba for their cooperation with stakeholders in ensuring a smooth transport system.
He highlighted the Security and economic benefits of proper documentation and urged operators yet to be enumerated to do so.
Also speaking, the Aba coordinator of Abia State harmonised taskforce, Chief Uche Nwogu represented by Prince Emma Ahumibe and the state chairman, National Union of Road Transport Worker, Abia State council, Comrade Chukwuma Azodo, said drivers in Aba were benefiting from improved road infrastructure.
They urged ASTOPU members to remain good ambassadors of the Union and the State, commending the leadership for instilling values that had led to the recovery and return of lost items.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the ASTOPU Chairman, Comrade Victor Azubuike, said the ceremony was organised to reward honesty, integrity and diligence among members, particularly those who returned passengers’ forgotten items.
He disclosed that 164 tricycle operators had returned various items to the Union’s office for retrieval by their rightful owners and appreciated the support of Security Agencies and other stakeholders for sustaining cordial working relationships.
Some beneficiaries, including Mark Onyekachi, Ife Donatus and Cyprian Ughasoro, thanked the ASTOPU leadership for recognising their integrity and pledged continued support for the Abia State Government and the transport Union.
Highlights of the event include the presentation of bags of rice to the 164 tricycle operators, as well as awards to the Commissioner for Transport, Dr Ukaegbu; the SSA to the Governor on Transport, Dr Nwaogbe; the CEO of Abia SME Microfinance Bank, Mr Okeigbo; ACP Ajayi Kayode among others.
