The Enugu State Government has announced plans to restrict tricycles, yellow buses, and minibuses from operating on five major routes within Enugu metropolis as part of the rollout of its new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.
Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Obi Ozor, disclosed this during a consultative meeting with transport unions and stakeholders in Enugu on Monday. He said the restriction was in line with Governor Peter Mbah’s vision to modernise the city’s transport network and promote safe, efficient, and eco-friendly mobility.
According to Ozor, the affected routes 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, and the entire Agbani Road stretch. He explained that these roads will now serve as dedicated BRT corridors, though taxis will still be allowed to operate along them.
The commissioner emphasised that tricycles were not designed for high-speed highways and often obstruct smooth traffic flow. “This reform is not about taking away anyone’s job but about reorganising the transport system. BRT buses will serve primary roads, minibuses the secondary routes, while tricycles will handle last-mile connections,” he said.
Ozor revealed that the state has procured 200 CNG-powered BRT buses and 4,000 locally assembled electric taxis, with the first 1,000 taxis expected within three months. He added that 84 new bus shelters have been completed to support the new network, and all BRT buses will feature padded seats, air-conditioning, WiFi, and GPS tracking for passenger safety. To cushion costs, fares will attract a 47 per cent subsidy.
The government also plans to expand the use of the Ije Card, its cashless payment system, to reach five million residents within 90 days. Ozor said transport unions interested in participating in the BRT operation or terminal management are to submit proposals, including financial models, for evaluation.
Leaders of transport unions present at the meeting expressed support for the new policy. The State Chairman of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Comrade Chidiebere Aniagu, said the reforms would enhance safety and efficiency. Similarly, the NURTW Chairman, Mr. Augustine Agu, commended the Mbah administration for its transformative approach and urged the inclusion of union members in BRT operations.
Comrade Kingsley Edeh, who represented the Amalgamated Tricycle Riders Association, said the state’s 18,000 tricycle operators welcomed assurances that no one would lose their livelihood. He appealed for the provision of taxis as transition options.
Dr. Ozor concluded by inaugurating a joint review committee comprising ministry officials and transport union representatives to finalise operational plans ahead of the full rollout of the BRT scheme. The launch date, he said, would be announced soon
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2025-12-05