The Abia State Government has assured members of the tricycle operators’ union, ASTOPU, that the introduction of electric buses is not intended to displace them but to complement the existing transport system in 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. He stated that under the present administration, tricycle operators would continue their businesses, acknowledging their significant contributions to the state’s revenue.
Dr. Ukaegbu noted that tricycle operators in Abia State, especially in Aba, have shown strong support for the state government. He advised them to prioritize their personal security and shun alcohol consumption while on duty. He further 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, while urging the ASTOPU leadership to sustain its visionary approach.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport, Dr. Obioma Nwaogbe, said tricycle operators had exceeded expectations in their cooperation with the current administration, particularly in revenue generation. He described ASTOPU as a well-organized union and assured members that they would benefit more from the government beyond infrastructure development, commending them for their commitment to the union’s growth.
In their goodwill messages, the Area Commander, Aba Divisional Police Command, ACP Ajayi Kayode, represented by the Divisional Police Officer, and the Federal Road Safety Corps Commander, Aba Unit, U.O. Uduma, praised ASTOPU for its collaboration with security agencies in road safety awareness and enforcement. They pledged continued support to ensure the safety of road users, noting a visible reduction in road crashes.
U.O. Uduma cautioned motorists against rushing to load passengers, reminding them that festive seasons come and go. He also warned drivers not to exceed 100 kilometers per hour. Commending Governor Alex Otti’s performance, Uduma said major roads and corridors into Abia State are now smooth and motorable. He urged ASTOPU leaders to keep educating their members on traffic rules, stressing that about 90 percent of road crashes result from human error rather than other factors.
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 advised operators yet to be enumerated to do so, citing the security and economic benefits for both the operators and the state.
Also speaking, the Aba Coordinator of the Abia State Harmonised Taskforce, Chief Uche Nwogu, represented by Prince Emma Ahumibe, and the State Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Abia State Council, Comrade Chukwuma Azodo, popularly known as “China,” observed that drivers in Aba are enjoying better working conditions due to the rehabilitation of roads by the state government. They urged ASTOPU members to remain good ambassadors of the union and the state, praising the leadership for instilling discipline and honesty, which has led to the return of forgotten items by passengers.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of ASTOPU, Comrade Victor Azubuike, explained that the ceremony was organized to appreciate members who returned forgotten items found in their tricycles and to engage with unit heads. He described the event as a celebration of hard work, honesty, and trust, encouraging members to uphold those values.
Comrade Azubuike disclosed that 164 tricycle operators had returned lost items to the union office for onward return to their owners. He thanked security agencies and other stakeholders for their synergy, which has fostered strong relationships within the transport sector in Aba.
Highlights of the event included the presentation of bags of rice to the 164 tricycle operators, as well as awards to the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu; the SSA to the Governor on Transport, Dr. Obioma Nwaogbe; the CEO of Abia SME Microfinance Bank, Mr. Chimeremeze Okeigbo; the Area Commander, Aba, ACP Ajayi Kayode; and the Aba Coordinator of the Harmonised Taskforce, Chief Uche Nwogu.
Some beneficiaries of the ASTOPU rice empowerment, including Mark Onyekachi, Ife Donatus, and Cyprian Ughasoro, commended the union’s leadership for the gesture and pledged their continued support for the state government and the transport union.
