The Enugu State Government has unveiled plans to restrict tricycles, yellow buses, and minibuses from operating on five key roads in Enugu city. The decision aims to clear the way for the exclusive use of the state’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, which has struggled to gain traction among residents since its launch several months ago.

Announced by Dr. Obi Ozor, the Commissioner for Transport, during a consultative meeting with transport unions and stakeholders on Monday at the ministry’s headquarters, the restrictions are part of Governor Peter Mbah’s vision to transform Enugu into a modern, multimodal, and globally competitive city. “This reform is about reorganizing 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,” Ozor emphasized.

Affected Routes and Implementation Details

The designated corridors, which will be reserved primarily for BRT buses, 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

While private vehicles will still be permitted, commercial operations on these routes will be limited to BRT buses and taxis. Ozor highlighted the safety concerns driving the policy, noting that tricycles “were never designed for high-speed highways” and their presence often disrupts traffic flow and endangers lives.

To support the rollout, the government has procured 200 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered BRT buses. Additionally, 4,000 electric taxis will be assembled locally at the Anambra Motor Manufacturing Company (ANAMMCO) in Enugu, with the first 1,000 units expected to be ready within three months. Ozor pointed out that Enugu’s estimated two million daily commuters necessitate at least 8,000 buses to meet demand. The new BRT fleet will feature modern amenities, including padded seats, functional air-conditioning, WiFi connectivity, and stringent safety protocols.

Complementing the hardware upgrades, the state is expanding its Ije Card electronic fare payment system to make commuting faster, cashless, and more convenient. Sales points for the card will be decentralized to reach five million residents within the next 90 days.

Transport unions present at the meeting expressed broad support for the initiative, while advocating for greater involvement in its execution.

Chidiebere Aniagu, Chairman of the Enugu State chapter of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), affirmed the union’s alignment with the government’s goals. “We are not opposed to the reforms and share the vision for a safer and more efficient transportation system,” he said.

Similarly, Augustine Agu, from the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), urged the government to prioritize union members in operating the BRT buses and transport terminals. “We have all it takes to perform creditably,” Agu insisted.

Concerns were also raised by tricycle operators. Comrade Kingsley Edeh, representing the Amalgamated Tricycle Riders Association in Enugu State, highlighted the livelihoods of the group’s 18,000 members. He appealed for the swift availability of taxis as an alternative for riders interested in transitioning to new roles within the system.

With these changes, the Enugu State Government is effectively consolidating control over commercial transport in the capital, positioning the BRT as the backbone of urban mobility.

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