Enugu to Restrict Tricycles, Yellow Buses on Major Roads Ahead of BRT Rollout

The Enugu State Government has announced plans to limit the operations of tricycles (Keke), yellow buses, and minibuses on five major highways in Enugu city as part of preparations for the state’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.

The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Obi Ozor, during a consultative meeting with transport unions and stakeholders at the ministry’s headquarters on Monday.

Dr. Ozor identified the affected corridors as 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; and the entire Agbani Road stretch.

These routes will become dedicated BRT lanes under Governor Peter Mbah’s vision to transform Enugu into a modern, multimodal, and globally competitive city.

“Tricycles were never designed for high-speed highways,” Ozor said, warning that their presence on major roads disrupts traffic and endangers lives.

“We must be open to change. This reform is not about taking anyone’s job. It is about reorganising the system so that BRT buses operate on the primary roads, yellow buses serve the secondary routes, and tricycles provide last-mile connectivity. Everyone has a place in the value chain,” he added.

Ozor highlighted the government’s procurement of 200 CNG-powered BRT buses and 4,000 electric taxis, to be assembled locally at ANAMMCO in Enugu, with the first 1,000 taxis expected within three months.

Additionally, 84 new bus shelters have been built across the city, forming the backbone of a modern transit network focused on safety, comfort, and affordability.

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Noting that Enugu has an estimated two million daily commuters, Ozor said the city requires at least 8,000 buses to meet mobility demands. He described the new BRT buses as equipped with padded seats, air-conditioning, WiFi, and advanced safety systems, with all vehicles tracked via a central command and control centre.

“Passengers do not stand in these buses, and the BRT fare now comes with a 47 percent discount to cushion transportation costs for citizens,” he said.

Key resolutions from the meeting include inviting transport unions to submit proposals and financial models for participation in BRT bus and terminal operations. Ozor also announced plans to expand the Ije Card, the state’s electronic fare payment system, to reach five million residents within 90 days.

Addressing concerns over delays in allocating loading bays at new transport terminals, the commissioner said proposals are under review and will be finalised soon.

He encouraged transport unions to access financial facilities to acquire buses or participate in the BRT system, emphasizing the investment opportunities as Enugu strengthens connectivity with other cities.

Transport unions expressed support for the reforms. Comrade Chidiebere Aniagu, Chairman of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), said the union shares the government’s vision for a safer and more efficient transport system, urging that members’ concerns be addressed.

Similarly, Engr. Augustine Agu, Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), commended Governor Mbah’s achievements, stating, “Governor Mbah has done in two years what others could not do in eight years. His private-sector discipline is evident. We fully support him.”

He, however, requested consideration for their participation in BRT operations.

Comrade Kingsley Edeh of the Amalgamated Tricycle Riders Association noted that the state has 18,000 Keke riders and called for alternative taxi options for those wishing to transition. He welcomed the government’s assurance that no one will be displaced but rather integrated into a more efficient system.

To ensure a smooth rollout, the commissioner inaugurated a joint review committee of ministry officials and transport union representatives to finalise operational modalities for the dedicated BRT routes, with the launch date to be announced soon.