The Abia State Government has assured residents that it has no plans to ban the operation of commercial tricycles, popularly known as Keke, across the state.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, gave the assurance while briefing journalists at the Government House, Umuahia, on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
Kanu said the government would not ban Keke operations without a compelling reason.
He stressed that the administration was instead focused on improving and regulating the transport system.
“The government is not going to be stampeded into banning Keke operations when there is no compelling need to do so,” he said.
He explained that the government was working to streamline the operations of commercial vehicles and tricycles to make transportation more efficient and reduce congestion, particularly in major cities.
Kanu also acknowledged that the number of Keke operators in Abia had increased following restrictions on their operations in some neighbouring states.
He said a ban on commercial tricycles was not part of the state government’s plans.