The Enugu State Government has taken the decision to dissolve all task forces associated with commercial tricycles, commonly referred to as Keke, until further notice. The announcement was made by Mr. Ogbonna Idike, the Permanent Secretary in the state Ministry of Transport, following a meeting with the executives and members of the commercial tricycle union. The meeting was convened in response to a peaceful protest held by tricycle union members, who expressed concerns over harassment and extortion by the taskforce members operating in the Enugu metropolis.
With immediate effect, the dissolution of both legally and illegally constituted task forces for tricycle operators has been implemented. Mr. Idike expressed disappointment in the tricycle operators for not officially reporting the issue to the ministry in a timely manner, despite the ministry’s offices remaining open for public engagement. Prior to this, the ministry was unaware of the negative and inhumane practices that were taking place.
Moving forward, the state government, in coordination with the Ministry of Transport, will work towards streamlining and enforcing appropriate standards for all transport union task forces. The aim is to prevent the infiltration of hoodlums and thugs while ensuring that these exercises adhere to best practices. To achieve this, the union will be required to seek approval from the ministry, and designated task force members will be clearly identified with numbered reflective aprons, identification cards, and proper attire.