The Anambra State Ministry of Transport would next month convene a stakeholders’ meeting involving the Nigeria Police Force, the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra, OCHA Brigade, and the Anti-Touting Squad, with a view to ending the alleged harassment of operators of commercial tricycle operators popularly known as Keke in the State.
The State Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Edward Ibuzor made the announcement on Tuesday, when leaders of the tricycle operators’ union, led by Anambra rights activist, Comrade Osita Obi, paid him a courtesy visit to present their grievances and seek improved welfare for operators across the state.
During the visit, Obi appealed to the state government to prioritise the welfare of tricycle operators, describing them as critical stakeholders in the state’s transport system whose concerns deserve urgent attention.
According to the Commissioner, the meeting will hold at the Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre, to discuss with the security and enforcement agencies in the state, to address the reported harassment and extortion of law-abiding riders.
Promising to tackle illegal levies imposed on riders and address other challenges confronting the operators, Ibuzor assured the operators of government protection, provided they operate within the law and assist security agencies in flushing out criminal elements hiding among them.
“I understand your challenges because I have always been on the streets and served as Chairman of the House Committee on Transport. I will ensure you are not subjected to illegal levies. All I ask is that you remain law-abiding,” Ibuzor said.
He urged the operators to remain united and speak with one voice in pursuing their legitimate interests.
Ibuzor, however, warned that the involvement of some tricycle operators in criminal activities was tarnishing the image of genuine riders.
“Expose the bad eggs among you. If you see anyone using a Keke for criminal activities or tarnishing your image, report them immediately,” he said.
He also advised operators to cultivate a savings culture instead of spending their earnings on charms, rituals or the pursuit of quick wealth.
The commissioner further urged the riders to pay greater attention to their health by taking adequate rest.
On reforms in the transport sector, Ibuzor disclosed that the state government would soon introduce a smart rider’s permit containing operators’ personal details and electronic payment features.
According to him, the permit, which will cost ₦5,250, will be processed online, enabling riders to apply from any location.
He also revealed that the government had concluded arrangements for the management of parks across the state and would soon deploy uniformed personnel to oversee operations and ensure that only approved levies were collected.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Anambra State branch of AKDF, Comrade Ifeanyi Okafor, commended the commissioner for the reforms introduced in the transport sector.
He said operators had already begun to notice improvements and called for further reforms, including enhanced security measures and affordable registration fees.
According to him, the greatest challenge facing Keke operators is insecurity and not the issue of stickers or number plates.
“What we need most is security and a smart identification number that can easily be seen from a distance,” he said.
Okafor appealed to the government to reduce the cost of the rider’s permit, describing the Keke business as a modest means of livelihood.
“Keke operation is not a lucrative business. Most of us are simply trying to earn an honest living and avoid idleness,” he said.
He disclosed that about 95 per cent of tricycle operators do not possess driver’s licences because many cannot afford them, urging the government to make the rider’s permit more affordable and accord it full legal backing.
