The Enugu State Government has announced sweeping transport reforms aimed at reshaping transportation systems across the city.
In the new policies proposed by the State Commissioner for Transportation, Dr Obi Uzor, tricycles, yellow buses, and minibuses will no longer operate on five key highways, paving the way for the long-awaited Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system to take full effect.
In an announcement, Dr Uzor listed the affected routes to include Okpara Avenue, Abakaliki Road, New Haven Junction, Ogui Road, Zik’s Avenue, and the entire Agbani Road axis.
He disclosed that these strategic roads will now become dedicated BRT corridors under Governor Peter Mbah’s vision to build a modern, efficient, and globally competitive city.
Explaining the decision, Dr. Ozor said the ban was not meant to take livelihoods away but to create a safer and more organised transport structure for everyone.
“Tricycles on highways are a recipe for chaos and accidents. We are not taking people’s jobs; we are redesigning the system. BRT will take the main roads, yellow buses will operate on secondary routes, and tricycles will handle last-mile movements. Everyone has a place in this new arrangement,” he assured.
He said to power the transition, the state has already acquired 200 CNG-powered BRT buses, with plans to introduce 4,000 locally assembled electric taxis, the first batch of 1,000 expected in the next three months.
According to him, a total of 84 modern bus shelters are also ready across the state.
“With nearly two million daily commuters, Enugu requires at least 8,000 buses to meet transport demand.
The new BRT buses promise a more dignified experience, air-conditioning, padded seats, onboard WiFi, real-time monitoring for safety, and a remarkable 47% fare reduction. Standing inside the buses will not be allowed, ensuring safer and more comfortable travel.
“The state’s electronic payment platform, Ije Card, is also being expanded to reach five million residents, marking a major step toward a fully cashless transport system,” he said.
Meanwhile, transport unions have welcomed the reforms, describing them as long overdue. Comrade Chidiebere Aniagu of RTEAN appealed for members’ concerns to be considered, while Engr. Augustine Agu of NURTW praised Governor Mbah’s leadership, saying, “In just two years, he has done what many couldn’t achieve in eight.”
