Electric Buses to Complement Tricycle Transport, Commissioner Assures ASTOPU as Union Rewards 164 Members

The Abia State Government has assured members of the Abia State Tricycle Operators Union (ASTOPU) that the introduction of electric buses in the state will not displace tricycle operators but will instead complement existing transport services.

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 said that under the administration of Governor Alex Otti, tricycle operators would continue to operate unhindered, in recognition of their significant contributions to the state’s revenue and transport system.

Dr. Ukaegbu commended tricycle operators in Abia State, particularly in Aba, for their support of the state government. He urged them to prioritise their personal security, avoid alcohol while on duty, and remain law-abiding. He further assured them that the Ministry of Transport, in collaboration with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Transportation, would continue to protect their interests. He also encouraged the ASTOPU leadership to sustain its visionary and progressive leadership style.

Also speaking at the event, the SSA to the Governor on Transportation, Dr. Obioma Nwaogbe, said tricycle operators had exceeded expectations in their cooperation with the present administration, especially in revenue contributions. He noted that ASTOPU was performing well and stood to benefit more from the government beyond infrastructure development. He thanked the union for its commitment to moving the organisation forward.

In their goodwill messages, the Area Commander, Aba Divisional Police, ACP Ajayi Kayode, represented by the Divisional Police Officer, and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Commander, Aba Unit, U.O. Uduma, praised ASTOPU for its collaboration with security agencies in promoting road safety. They pledged to continue ensuring the safety of road users and noted a visible improvement in the prevention of road crashes. They cautioned motorists against speeding and reckless driving, advising them not to exceed 100 kilometres per hour.

The Chief Executive Officer of Abia SME Microfinance Bank, Mr. Chimeremeze Okeigbo, also commended tricycle operators in Aba for their cooperation with other stakeholders to ensure a smooth transportation system in the state. He encouraged operators who were yet to be enumerated to do so, highlighting the security and economic benefits of proper enumeration to both the operators and the state.

Similarly, 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), noted that drivers in Aba were enjoying improved road conditions following the rehabilitation of major roads by the state government. They urged ASTOPU members to remain good ambassadors of the union and the state, commending the leadership for instilling good values that have led to drivers returning forgotten items to their rightful owners.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of ASTOPU, Comrade Victor Azubuike, explained that the ceremony was organised to appreciate members who demonstrated honesty by returning items forgotten in their tricycles, as well as to engage with unit heads of the union. He described the event as a celebration of hard work, integrity, and trust, and encouraged members to uphold these values.

Comrade Azubuike disclosed that 164 tricycle operators returned lost items to the union’s office for collection by their rightful owners. He thanked stakeholders and security agencies for their continued collaboration, which has fostered a strong and harmonious working relationship with tricycle operators in Aba.

Highlights of the ceremony included the presentation of bags of rice to the 164 tricycle operators who returned lost items, as well as the presentation of awards to the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu; the SSA to the Governor on Transportation, 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 of the beneficiaries, including Mark Onyekachi, Ife Donatus, and Cyprian Ughasoro, expressed gratitude to the ASTOPU leadership for the recognition and pledged their continued support for the state government and the transport union.