The Abia State Government has assured residents and commercial tricycle operators that it has no plans to ban the operation of commercial tricycles, popularly known as Keke, across the state.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, gave the assurance while briefing journalists at the Government House in Umuahia on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.

Kanu said the government would not be pressured into banning Keke operations without any compelling reason.

According to him, the administration is instead focused on improving and properly regulating the transportation system across Abia.

“The government is not going to be stampeded into banning Keke operations when there is no compelling need to do so,” he said.

The commissioner explained that the government was working to streamline the operations of commercial vehicles and tricycles to improve transportation efficiency and reduce traffic congestion, particularly in major cities across the state.

Kanu also acknowledged the increase in the number of Keke operators in Abia, which he attributed to restrictions imposed on their operations in some neighbouring states.

He, however, reiterated that banning commercial tricycles was not part of the Abia State Government's plans.