Abia State Government assures tricycle operators that new electric buses will complement, not replace, their transport services across the state

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 complement, not replace, their operations.

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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.

“The electric buses we are introducing in the state will not stop your operations or drive you away from the state; rather, they will complement your transport services,” he said.

Dr Ukaegbu urged tricycle operators to prioritise security and avoid alcohol while highlighting the government’s commitment to protecting their interests in collaboration with the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation.

Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation, Dr Obioma Nwaogbe, praised ASTOPU for its cooperation and revenue contributions, noting that the union stands to benefit further from government interventions beyond infrastructure development.

Representatives of the Aba Divisional Police and the Federal Road Safety Corps commended ASTOPU for collaboration with security agencies, which they said had improved road safety and reduced traffic accidents.

The event also honoured tricycle operators who returned items forgotten by passengers. ASTOPU Chairman, Comrade Victor Azubuike, disclosed that 164 operators returned lost items, demonstrating honesty and trust.

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Awards and bags of rice were presented to the beneficiaries, with some pledging continued support for the state government and the union.