Mbah assures tricycle operators of free access to transport terminals, pledges to complete 1,022 urban roads

The Enugu State Government has scrapped the ₦750 daily ticket fee paid by commercial tricycle operators and extended their operating hours from 9pm to 10pm as part of efforts to improve their livelihoods and boost economic activities.

Governor Peter Mbah announced the measures on Saturday at Okpara Square, Enugu, during the grand finale of a “One Million March” event organised by the Tricycle Riders Association of Enugu State.

Mbah also assured operators that they would continue to access all modern transport terminals owned by the state without paying toll fees.

The announcement came as the association endorsed Mbah for a second term in office and declared support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The riders attributed their endorsements to improvements in security, road infrastructure and public amenities, as well as government policies they said had positively affected their businesses and families.

Leading the endorsement, the state chairman of the Tricycle Riders Association of Nigeria, Comrade Kingsley Edeh, commended the Mbah administration for its infrastructure projects, security initiatives and investments in education.

He cited the establishment of 267 Smart Green Schools and the revival or completion of previously abandoned projects, including the International Conference Centre, Nigergas Limited, Sunrise Flour Mills and Hotel Presidential.

Edeh also praised Tinubu for infrastructure projects in the South-East, including the Enugu–Onitsha Road, Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, New Artisan Bridge and Obinagu Flyover.

He said the association would mobilise support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidates in the 2027 elections.

Corroborating the endorsement, the National Secretary of the association, Comrade Sunday Enang, described Mbah’s performance in office as remarkable, citing the development of modern transport terminals, the establishment of Enugu Air, investment in an asphalt plant and the construction of intra-city and inter-city roads.

Enang said the initiatives were improving transportation, promoting safety and creating opportunities for residents and commercial transport operators.

He particularly commended the governor’s decision to grant tricycle operators free access to designated transport terminals, describing it as a policy that recognises their contributions to the state’s economy.

Responding, Mbah described tricycle operators as vital contributors to economic growth, noting that they transport workers, students, traders and other residents while connecting urban and rural communities.

The governor said his administration was committed not only to economic growth but also to poverty reduction and improving the disposable incomes of residents.

He explained that scrapping daily ticket payments and removing terminal toll fees were part of efforts to reduce the financial burden on operators and enable them to provide better support for their families.

Mbah also said the extension of operating hours was possible because of improvements in security across the state.

According to him, the government inherited restrictions limiting tricycle operations to between 6am and 9pm when it assumed office in 2023.

He said the restrictions were introduced amid security concerns associated with the sit-at-home order but noted that the situation had improved, allowing operators to work until 10pm.

On road infrastructure, the governor acknowledged that poor roads increased operators’ maintenance costs, reduced their earnings and caused delays.

He assured residents that his administration would pave all remaining 1,022 urban roads in the state, adding that several areas, including Emene, Abakpa, Idaw River, Trans-Ekulu, Awkunanaw, Coal Camp, New Haven, Thinkers Corner and Uwani, were already benefiting from ongoing road construction and rehabilitation.

Mbah said improved roads would reduce vehicle repair expenses, increase productivity and help transport operators retain more of their earnings.

The governor also reiterated his administration’s zero tolerance for political violence, warning politicians and their supporters against actions capable of undermining the peace and security achieved in the state.

He vowed that anyone who attempted to introduce thugs or disrupt public safety would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

“We have worked extremely hard to establish a safe state. Nobody, no matter their ambition, will take that away from us,” the governor said, adding that his administration would use all lawful means to hold offenders accountable.

Mbah urged residents to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate actively in the 2027 elections, calling on them to support him, Tinubu and other APC candidates.

He maintained that the resources available to the state for executing development projects were also influenced by policies introduced by the Federal Government.

Other speakers at the event included the Enugu State APC chairman, Dr. Martins Chukwunweike; the Grand Patron of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, HRH Igwe Greg Ugwu; and the Managing Director of Enugu East Zone Transport Terminals, Dr. John Egbo.