Commercial tricycle operators, popularly called Keke operators, have reacted to the scrapping of N750 daily payment imposed on them by the Enugu State government.
THE WHISTLER reports that Gov Peter Mbah disclosed the cancellation of the daily levies weekend when the keke operators held a rally in his honour. They used the rally to declare their support for Gov Mbah’s reelection during the 2027 general elections.
The governor also used the occasion to extend the operational time of Keke operations from 9pm to 10pm in the metropolis. The restriction was to curb insecurity in the metropolis. He also said the operators would continue to operate at no cost at all the state’s modern transport terminals.
Mbah had described tricycle operators as critical players in the state’s economy, stressing that while his administration was focused on growth, it was equally determined to eradicate poverty, hence the various interventions to increase their disposable incomes.
In his words, “You are the powerhouse of our economy because you set out early in the morning, working long hours, navigating traffic, taking our workers to work, taking our students to school, moving our people from urban areas to rural communities, connecting businesses, and helping traders get to their businesses. A lot of people earn their living because of what you do.
“But we also see your struggles. So, I have started engaging with your executives on how we can make life better for you. Our government, as you know, is not just about growth. We are also interested in ending poverty and making sure that you have more money or disposable income to take care of your family. When we came into the office in 2023, we inherited a curfew on tricycle operators such that they could only operate from 6am to 9pm. There was a sit-at-home, but we have ended that with your support. Today, Enugu State is safe. So, we will be shifting your operational time limit from 9pm to 10pm.”
Some keke operators that spoke with our reporter had different interpretations of the gesture. Mike Ezea operates at the New Market-Holy Ghost-Independence Layout axis.
He said, “I commend Gov Mbah for the scrapping of the daily levy. It will help us a lot. It has not been easy paying the daily levy and buying fuel at over N1400 per litre. It is a relief, and we hope that more reliefs will come.”
Joseph Onah is an operator. He said, “The gesture is a big relief to us. It has been terrible. We expect other palliatives from the state. Many of our colleagues quit operations because of levies.”
Femi Onigbinde however described it as a political gift. “I’m not from this state, but I see it as a political gift. He waited until the 2027 election campaign began to announce the suspension of the daily taxation. Who told you that after he wins in 2027 that he won’t reintroduce it? The lesson I learn is that votes will count, and the pressure from the opposition is a factor. I thank the state anyway.”
The keke operators, under the umbrella of Tricycle Riders Association of Enugu State, used the rally to endorse Gov Mbah’s reelection bid. The cited improved security, road infrastructure, and social amenities in the state among their reasons.
The association also endorsed President Bola Tinubu for reelection, citing the Enugu–Onitsha Road, Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, New Artisan Bridge, Obinagu Flyover, and strategic appointments.
The state Chairman of the Tricycle Riders Association of Nigeria, Comrade Kingsley Edeh, said the endorsements were predicated on achievements, especially those that have impacted the lives and businesses of tricycle riders, their families, and the people of Enugu State in general.
He mentioned security and good roads, the 267 Smart Green Schools, the completion of long-abandoned projects such as the International Conference Centre, Nigergas Limited, Sunrise Four Mills, Hotel Presidential, among the bases for endorsing Mbah.
On the association’s support for President Bola Tinubu, Edeh said, “We see the infrastructure President Tinubu is building in the South East and the support he is giving to our governors. So, we will vote APC from top to bottom come 2027.”
