Anambra Govt Moves to End Keke Riders’ Harassment, Introduces Smart Permit

The Anambra State Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Edward Obiefuna Ibuzor, has advised tricycle (Keke) operators in the state to remain law-abiding.
He also urged them to report any suspicious activities or harassment by any individual or agency to the Ministry of Transport.
According to him, the government will provide them with adequate protection, provided they operate in accordance with the law.
He gave the assurance when members of the tricycle operators’ union paid him a courtesy visit to present their concerns and complaints regarding their operations in the state.
“I have listened to your requests, and I will look into them. I have always been on the streets, and as a former Chairman of the House Committee on Transport, I understand your challenges. I will ensure that you do not pay any illegal levies. All I ask is that you remain law-abiding,” he said.
The commissioner urged the riders to remain united and pursue their legitimate interests with one voice.
As part of efforts to address the challenges faced by tricycle operators, Ibuzor disclosed that the Ministry of Transport would, next month, convene a meeting involving the Nigeria Police Force, Ocha Brigade, and the Anti-Touting Squad and others at the Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre to appeal for reduced harassment of tricycle riders.
“I want you to remain law-abiding, and I will stand by you. I am with you because you are Keke riders, and I will continue to support you. If we all obey the law, we can direct agencies such as the SASA Unit and Ocha Brigade to treat you fairly,” he said.
He also advised the riders to cultivate a savings culture by setting aside part of their income regularly for the future.
According to him, many riders spend their earnings on charms and the pursuit of quick wealth instead of saving and investing.
“Do not waste your money on juju, rituals, or frivolous things. Plan your finances wisely, and you can build a better future from this business,” he said.
The commissioner further urged the riders to pay more attention to their health, stressing the importance of adequate rest.
“You cannot remain on the road all the time. You need to rest and take care of your health,” he added.
Ibuzor, however, noted that some individuals within the tricycle business engage in criminal activities, thereby tarnishing the image of genuine operators.
He urged the riders to expose such elements.
“Expose the bad eggs among you. Be vigilant and monitor those who use Keke to damage your image. Whenever you notice any suspicious activity, report it to me,” he said.
On the issue of riders’ permits and driver’s licences, the commissioner explained that the government would introduce a smart rider’s permit.
According to him, the smart card would contain the details of the tricycle owner and serve as a digital means of storing relevant information and payment records.
“We are introducing a smart rider’s permit. It will contain your details and accommodate your payment records and other information. You should know that you have a government that cares, and I will look into your requests,” he said.
He stated that tricycle operators would only require a rider’s permit, which costs ₦5,250, and that the application process would be available online, allowing applicants to register from any location.
The commissioner further disclosed that the government had concluded arrangements for the management of parks and would soon deploy uniformed personnel to oversee operations.
“Those entrusted with the responsibility of managing the parks will be properly guided on the approved charges to collect,” he added.
The Convener of the Anambra State Keke Drivers Forum (AKDF), Comrade Obi, while presenting the drivers to the commissioner, appealed for their protection from the various enforcement agencies.
According to him, Keke riders are interested in partnering with the Ministry of Transport to improve the transport sector and support intelligence gathering.
He appealed to the commissioner to help organise Keke riders so they could effectively assist the state in information gathering.
He also lamented what he described as the harassment of Keke riders by some local government mayors, particularly the Mayor of Awka North, through the Agunechemba security outfit.
Obi stated that he is committed to the proper organisation of the forum and the establishment of a functional leadership structure for the AKDF.
He maintained that only active tricycle riders should occupy leadership positions within the forum and noted that, since he is not a rider, he should not be included among those to hold such positions.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Anambra State chapter of the AKDF, Comrade Ifeanyi Okafor, expressed satisfaction with the measures introduced by the Ministry of Transport under Commissioner Ibuzor to address the challenges facing tricycle operators.
He said the operators had observed significant positive reforms in the state’s transport sector under the commissioner’s leadership.
“Before now, there was no proper structure in the transportation system. In states like Delta, every tricycle is certified and approved by the Ministry of Transport before it is allowed on the road.
“The ministry also ensures that every Keke is properly painted, bears a valid number plate and identification number before it begins operations. Every tricycle in the state is documented and can easily be verified,” he said.
According to Okafor, the major challenge facing tricycle operators in Anambra State is not the issue of stickers or number plates but the enforcement of existing regulations.
He noted that when the government introduced security profiling, some operators initially objected because they believed it did not address their immediate concerns.
“We need security more than anything else. What we need now is a smart identification number that is boldly displayed so that it can easily be seen from a distance,” he said.
He appealed to the commissioner to favourably consider their requests, particularly the reduction of the cost of the rider’s permit and other related charges.
“Keke operation is not a lucrative business. Nobody builds a house from it. Most of us are simply doing this to avoid being idle,” he said.
Okafor also revealed that nearly 95 per cent of tricycle operators do not possess driver’s licences, noting that many prefer the rider’s permit because it is more affordable.
He appealed for the permit to be backed by law and for its cost to be reduced to a level operators could conveniently afford.
“We appeal to the state government to help reduce the cost of the permit,” he said.
A Vehicle Inspection Officer in the Ministry of Transport also addressed the gathering, stating that the government’s approach is people-oriented and that continuous engagement with stakeholders has been ongoing.
“The last major engagement we had was a few months ago when discussions on the rider’s permit began. The law empowers the commissioner to make rules and regulations governing road transport activities.
“The rider’s permit is not just an ordinary card; it is a legal document. Tricycles are not supposed to operate on highways or be used for long-distance transportation. That is why the permit is important for every rider,” the officer said.
He further explained that any rider who possesses a valid rider’s permit would not be unnecessarily harassed by law enforcement officers over driver’s licences, as the permit serves as an officially recognised legal document for tricycle operators.