The Abia State Government has reassured members of the Abia State Tricycle Operators Union (ASTOPU) that the introduction of electric buses in the state is meant to complement their services, not replace them.
The assurance was given by the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu, on Tuesday at the Aba Town Hall during the 2025 ASTOPU reward and empowerment ceremony.
Dr. Ukaegbu stated, “The electric buses we are bringing to Abia State are intended to support your transport operations, not to hinder or replace them. Tricycle operators, particularly in Aba, have been very supportive of the government, and we urge you to prioritise your safety and avoid alcohol while on duty.”
He added that the Ministry of Transport, in collaboration with the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation, will continue to protect operators and called on ASTOPU executives to sustain their visionary leadership.
Also addressing the event, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation, Dr. Obioma Nwaogbe, praised the tricycle operators for their commitment to the current administration, particularly through their cooperation in revenue generation. “The union is performing excellently and stands to gain further benefits from the government beyond infrastructure,” he said.
Representatives from security agencies, including the Area Commander of Aba Divisional Police, ACP Ajayi Kayode (represented by the Divisional Police Officer), and the Federal Road Safety Corps Commander, Aba Unit, U.O. Uduma, lauded ASTOPU for its ongoing collaboration with law enforcement. They noted that this partnership had enhanced road safety and reduced traffic accidents, while cautioning motorists against reckless driving.
The CEO of Abia SME Microfinance Bank, Chimeremeze Okeigbo, encouraged tricycle operators who have not yet been enumerated to register, highlighting the security and economic advantages of proper documentation. Similarly, representatives from the Abia State Harmonised Taskforce and the National Union of Road Transport Workers commended the state government’s road rehabilitation efforts, noting the positive impact on transport conditions in Aba.
ASTOPU Chairman, Comrade Victor Azubuike, explained that the event was organised to recognise operators who returned items forgotten by passengers. A total of 164 operators were honoured for returning lost items, demonstrating integrity and trustworthiness.
During the ceremony, the operators received bags of rice as rewards, and key stakeholders who supported the union were also recognised. Beneficiaries, including Mark Onyekachi, Ife Donatus, and Cyprian Ughasoro, expressed gratitude to ASTOPU leadership and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting both the union and the state government.
