The Enugu State Government has announced plans to restrict tricycles (Keke), yellow buses, and minibuses from five major traffic corridors in the state capital as part of preparations for the rollout of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.
The Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Obi Ozor, disclosed this on Monday during a consultative meeting with transport unions and stakeholders at the ministry’s headquarters in Enugu.
Ozor said the restrictions are necessary to ensure the smooth implementation of Governor Peter Mbah’s BRT agenda, which aims to transform Enugu into a modern, multimodal and globally competitive city.
The affected corridors include:
- Okpara Avenue–Abakaliki Road–New Haven Junction–Naira Triangle–Emene Airport
- Ogui Road–Chime Avenue–Naira Triangle
- New Haven Junction–Bisala Road–Rangers Avenue–WAEC–Nkpokiti–Zik’s Avenue
- Ogui Road–Presidential Road–WAEC–Nkpokiti
- The entire Agbani Road stretch
These routes, he said, will become dedicated BRT lanes.
Ozor explained that tricycles were never intended for high-speed primary roads and their continued presence contributed to congestion and safety risks.
“This reform is not about taking anyone’s job. It is about reorganising the system,” he said.
“BRT buses will operate on primary roads, yellow buses will serve secondary routes, and tricycles will handle last-mile connectivity. Everyone has a place in the value chain.”
He revealed that the state has procured 200 CNG-powered BRT buses and 4,000 electric taxis, which will be assembled locally at ANAMMCO. The first 1,000 taxis are expected within three months.
So far, the government has built 84 new bus shelters across the capital as part of a safer, more comfortable and affordable transit network.
Ozor noted that Enugu, with about two million daily commuters, needs at least 8,000 buses to meet mobility demands. The new BRT buses, he said, will operate with padded seats, air-conditioning, WiFi and enhanced safety systems.
“Passengers do not stand in these buses, and each one is tracked and monitored from our central control centre,” he added.
He also announced a 47% fare discount to cushion economic pressures on residents.
As part of resolutions reached at the meeting, transport unions interested in operating BRT buses or managing terminals are to submit proposals with financial models for government evaluation.
On the Ije Card, the state’s electronic fare payment system, the commissioner said it would be decentralised to ensure availability to five million residents within 90 days.
He acknowledged delays in allocating loading bays at the newly built transport terminals, saying the proposals were being reviewed and would be finalised soon.
A joint review committee comprising ministry officials and transport union representatives has been set up to conclude operational modalities ahead of the BRT launch.
In their responses, transport union leaders expressed support for the reforms but called for consideration of members’ welfare.
The Enugu State Chairman of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Mr. Chidiebere Aniagu, said the unions were aligned with the government’s vision for a safer, more efficient transport system.
Similarly, the Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Mr. Augustine Agu, praised Governor Mbah, saying:
“Governor Mbah has done in two years what others could not do in eight. His private-sector discipline is evident. We fully support him.”
However, he urged the government to consider their interest in participating in BRT and terminal operations.
Comrade Kingsley Edeh, representing the Amalgamated Tricycle Riders Association of Enugu State, noted that the state had 18,000 Keke riders, and appealed for taxis to be made available as alternatives for those willing to transition.