By ALEX ENEBELI

Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State has abolished the N750 daily ticketing fee paid by tricycle operators in the state and extended their operational hours from 9p.m. to 10p.m.

Mbah announced this on Saturday during a “One Million March Rally” organised by the Tricycle Riders Association of Nigeria, Enugu State Chapter and Transport Unions, at Okpara Square, Enugu.

The governor also disclosed that tricycle operators would continue to use the state’s modern transport terminals free of charge.

He said the decisions were part of his administration’s efforts to reduce the financial burden on tricycle operators, improve their livelihoods and increase their disposable incomes.

According to him, tricycle operators whom he described as “Engine of the state economy” play critical roles in the state’s economy by transporting workers, students, traders and other residents to their destinations daily.

“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 and our students to school.

“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 is not just about growth. We are also interested in ending poverty and making sure that you have more money to take care of your families.

“So, the issue of tickets is sealed. No more tickets for you,” he said.

On the operational restrictions, Mbah said his administration inherited a curfew in 2023, which restricted tricycle operations to between 6a.m. and 9p.m.

He explained that improved security in the state had made it possible to extend their operational hours.

“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 9 p.m. to 10 p.m.,” he said.

The governor further assured the operators that his administration would construct and rehabilitate the remaining 1,022 urban roads in the state to ease transportation and reduce vehicle maintenance costs.

He listed Emene, Abakpa, Idaw River, Trans-Ekulu, Awkunanaw, Coal Camp, New Haven, Thinkers Corner and Uwani among areas benefiting from ongoing road projects.

Mbah also reiterated his administration’s commitment to maintaining peace and security, warning that the government would not tolerate activities capable of disrupting public safety.

He said the government would deploy all lawful measures to apprehend anyone attempting to import thugs or instigate violence in the state.

“We have worked extremely hard to establish a safe state. Nobody, no matter their ambition, will take that away from us. We have zero tolerance for violence,” the governor said.

Mbah, while appreciating the association for the endorsement, urged members to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He called on them to support President Bola Tinubu and other APC candidates, saying the President’s economic policies had helped provide resources for the execution of development projects in the state.

Earlier, the State Chairman of the Tricycle Riders Association, Comrade Kingsley Edeh, said the association’s endorsement of Mbah and President Bola Tinubu for second terms in office in 2027.

Edeh said the endorsement followed the achievements of both leaders in infrastructure development, security and improvements in the welfare of residents.

He commended Mbah for the construction of roads, 267 Smart Green Schools and the revival of abandoned projects, including the International Conference Centre, Nigergas Limited, Sunrise Flour Mills and Hotel Presidential.

The chairman also praised Tinubu for ongoing federal road projects in the South-East, including the Enugu–Onitsha Road, Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, New Artisan Bridge and Obinagu Flyover.

Also speaking, the National Secretary of the association, Comrade Sunday Enang, commended Mbah for what he described as remarkable achievements within three years in office.

Enang particularly praised the establishment of Enugu Air, construction of modern transport terminals, investment in an asphalt plant and expansion of road infrastructure.

He said the governor’s policies had improved transportation and created economic opportunities for tricycle operators and other residents. (NAN)