The Abia State government has reassured tricycle operators in the state that the introduction of electric buses will not lead to job losses, but rather complement the existing transportation services. This assurance was given by the Commissioner for Transport, Chimezie Ukaegbu, during the 2025 Abia State Tricycle Operators Union (ASTOPU) reward and empowerment ceremony held at Aba Town Hall.
According to Ukaegbu, the state government, under the leadership of Governor Alex Otti, recognizes the significant contributions of tricycle operators to the state’s revenue and will continue to support their operations. He also commended the tricycle operators in Abia state, particularly those in Aba, for their support to the state government and advised them to prioritize their security and safety by avoiding alcoholism.
The Commissioner promised that his ministry, in collaboration with the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation, will continue to protect the interests of tricycle operators and urged the ASTOPU executives to maintain visionary leadership. The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation, Obioma Nwaogbe, also noted that tricycle operators are benefiting from the state government’s infrastructure development.
The ASTOPU Chairman, Victor Azubuike, explained that the event was organized to reward 164 tricycle operators who had returned lost items to their owners, promoting good conduct among transporters. This initiative aims to encourage responsible behavior and reinforce the importance of integrity in the transportation sector.
The introduction of electric buses in Abia State is part of the government’s efforts to modernize the transportation system and provide efficient services to residents. The reassurance given to tricycle operators is expected to alleviate concerns about job security and ensure a smooth transition to the new transportation system. As the state government continues to invest in infrastructure development, it is likely that the transportation sector will experience significant growth and improvement, benefiting both operators and commuters alike.