Enugu Set to Bar Keke, Mini-Buses From Major Highways as State Prepares for BRT Take-Off
The Enugu State Government has disclosed plans to restrict tricycles (Keke), yellow buses and minibuses from operating along five major highways within Enugu metropolis, as the state intensifies preparations for the rollout of its Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.
Commissioner for Transport, Dr Obi Ozor, announced the development during a consultative meeting with transport unions and stakeholders at the ministry’s headquarters in Enugu on Monday.
He listed the affected corridors to 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; as well as the entire Agbani Road axis.
According to Ozor, these routes will serve as dedicated BRT lanes in line with Governor Peter Mbah’s objective of repositioning Enugu into a modern, multimodal and globally competitive city. He maintained that tricycles were never intended for high-speed roads and often impede traffic flow while posing considerable safety risks.
“We must be open to change. This reform is not designed to take away anyone’s job. It is about reorganizing the system so that BRT buses ply the major corridors, yellow buses cover the secondary routes, and tricycles handle the last-mile services. Everyone retains a place in the value chain,” he said.
Ozor revealed that the state has already procured 200 CNG-powered BRT buses and 4,000 electric taxis, which will be assembled locally at ANAMMCO, Enugu. He noted that the first batch of 1,000 taxis is expected within three months. The administration has also constructed 84 new bus shelters across the city, forming a critical backbone of the emerging modern transit network built around safety, convenience and affordability.
He added that Enugu, with an estimated two million daily commuters, requires a minimum of 8,000 buses to meet its mobility needs. The new BRT buses, he said, come equipped with padded seats, efficient air-conditioning, WiFi and enhanced safety mechanisms. Passengers are not allowed to stand, while all buses will be tracked in real time from a central command and control centre. The BRT fares, he noted, will carry a 47 per cent subsidy to ease transportation costs.
The commissioner also announced resolutions reached during the stakeholders’ meeting. Transport unions interested in participating in bus or terminal operations are to submit proposals with clear financial models for government assessment. The state’s electronic fare system, the Ije Card, will be decentralized, with sales points expanded to reach five million residents within 90 days.
He acknowledged delays in allocating loading bays at new transport terminals but assured operators that proposals were under review and nearing conclusion. Ozor urged unions to explore available financial facilities to acquire buses or take part in BRT operations, noting vast investment opportunities emerging as Enugu enhances its regional connectivity.
Stakeholders at the meeting expressed broad support for the governor’s transport reforms. Enugu State Chairman of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Comrade Chidiebere Aniagu, said the union welcomed the reforms and appreciated their long-term benefits. He, however, appealed for the concerns of members to be addressed.
Similarly, the state chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Engr. Augustine Agu, commended Governor Mbah’s achievements, insisting that the unions are well positioned to operate BRT buses and manage terminals.
Representing tricycle operators, Comrade Kingsley Edeh of the Amalgamated Tricycle Riders Association noted that the state has 18,000 Keke riders and urged the government to facilitate access to taxis for those willing to transition. He said members were encouraged by assurances that no operator would be displaced, but rather integrated into a more efficient structure.
Dr. Ozor inaugurated a joint review committee comprising ministry officials and union representatives to finalize operational modalities ahead of the BRT launch, with the rollout date to be announced soon.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication with Second Class(Upper Division) at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
