The Rivers State Government has banned tricycles operations, also known as Keke-Napep, from operating in major roads on the Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor local government areas of Rivers State.
According to a statement by the Rivers State Commissioner for Transport, Sam Soni Ejekwu on Monday, the decision followed the observed reckless driving of Keke operators along major roads and the incessant endangering of lives of Rivers people.
Ejekwu, invoking section 74 sub-section 1 (h) of the Rivers State Road Traffic Law No. 6 of 2009, prohibited the tricycles operators from plying Trans Amadi road from Rivers zoo to Garrison, the entire Aba road, Ikwerre road and the entire old Port Harcourt town, among others.
Ejekwu further stated that the order took immediate effect, adding that any tricycle operating within the affected areas would be confiscated.
He said, “Any Keke Napep found operating in these areas would be confiscated and its owner prosecuted.”
The commissioner also warned trucks drivers to henceforth stop ferrying containers or other heavy items without firmly strapping them as defaulting vehicles would be impounded and drivers prosecuted.
Read the press release below…
The Rivers State Ministry of Transport has observed with dismay, the indiscriminate operation of Tricycle (Keke Napep) operators along major roads in the State and the unsafe container haulage by Truck Drivers.
In line with section 74 subsection 1 (h) of the Rivers State Road Traffic Law No. 6 of 2009, Keke Napep Operation is forthwith banned in the following areas in the State;
1. TRANS AMADI ROAD (ZOO – GARRISON)
2. ABA ROAD
3. IKWERRE ROAD
4. THE ENTIRE OLD PORT HARCOURT TOWN
5. THE ENTIRE BOROKIRI AXIS
6. EAST – WEST ROAD
7. ADA GEORGE ROAD
8. AIRPORT ROAD
9. NTA – CHOBA ROAD
10. RUMUOKWURUSI – ENEKA – IGWURUTA ROAD
11. SLAUGHTER – WOJI ROAD
12. OGINIGBA – ARTILLERY ROAD
13. EASTERN BYPASS
14. OIL MILL – ELELENWO – AKPAJO ROAD
15. OLD ABA ROAD
16. ILOABUCHI ROAD
17. ELEKAHIA AND ELIKAHIA HOUSING ESTATE
18. GULF ESTATE TO AKPAJO
19. WAJA TO NKPOGU
Any Keke Napep found operating in these areas would be confiscated and owner prosecuted.
Also, Truck/Trailer drivers operating in Rivers State are further warned never to carry containers or other heavy items not firmly secured and strapped to their trailer flatbeds. Defaulting vehicles will be impounded and drivers prosecuted.