The Abia State Government has assured members of the Abia State Tricycle Operators Union that the electric buses being introduced in the state will complement, not replace, their operations.

The Commissioner for Transport, Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu, gave the assurance on Tuesday at the Aba Town Hall during the 2025 ASTOPU reward and empowerment ceremony.

Ukaegbu said, “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 in the state.

“Tricycle operators in Abia state, especially Aba, have shown great support to the state government and advised them to prioritise their security and avoid alcohol.

“Our ministry, in partnership with the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation, would continue to protect them and urged ASTOPU executive to maintain its visionary leadership.”

Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation, Dr Obioma Nwaogbe, said tricycle operators had demonstrated strong commitment to the current administration through their cooperation, especially in revenue contributions.

“The union is doing well; as such, they have more things to benefit from the government apart from infrastructure and thanked them for working hard to move ASTOPU forward,” he said.

According to him, the union stands to benefit further from government interventions beyond infrastructure development.

In separate goodwill messages, the Area Commander, Aba Divisional Police, ACP Ajayi Kayode, represented by the Divisional Police Officer, and the Federal Road Safety Corps Commander, Aba Unit, U.O. Uduma, commended ASTOPU for sustained collaboration with security agencies.

They said the partnership had contributed to improved road safety and a reduction in traffic crashes, while warning motorists against reckless driving and excessive speeding.

The Chief Executive Officer of Abia SME Microfinance Bank, Chimeremeze Okeigbo, urged tricycle operators yet to be enumerated to do so, citing the security and economic benefits of proper documentation.

Similarly, the Aba Coordinator of the Abia State Harmonised Taskforce, Chief Uche Nwogu, represented by Prince Emma Ahumibe, and the Abia State Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Comrade Chukwuma Azodo, praised the state government for road rehabilitation efforts, which they said had improved transport conditions in Aba.

Earlier, ASTOPU Chairman, Comrade Victor Azubuike, said the event was organised to honour operators who returned items forgotten by passengers in their tricycles.

He disclosed that 164 tricycle operators returned lost items for collection by their owners, describing the gesture as a reflection of honesty and trust.

Highlights of the ceremony included the presentation of bags of rice to the 164 operators, as well as awards to key stakeholders who supported the union.

Some beneficiaries, including Mark Onyekachi, Ife Donatus and Cyprian Ughasoro, commended the ASTOPU leadership and pledged continued support for the state government and the union.