The Enugu State Government has announced plans to restrict tricycles (Keke), yellow buses and minibuses from five major highways across the capital city as it prepares for the rollout of its Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.
The Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Obi Ozor, disclosed this on Monday during a consultative meeting with transport unions and stakeholders at the ministry’s headquarters in Enugu.
According to him, the affected corridors - soon to become dedicated BRT routes - include:
Okpara Avenue–Abakaliki Road–New Haven Junction–Naira Triangle–Emene Airport
Ogui Road–Chime Avenue–Naira Triangle
New Haven Junction–Bisala Road–Rangers Avenue–WAEC–Nkpokiti–Zik’s Avenue
Ogui Road–Presidential Road–WAEC–Nkpokiti
The full stretch of Agbani Road
He clarified that taxis would still be allowed to operate on the designated BRT corridors.
Dr. Ozor said the reforms are part of Governor Peter Mbah’s broader agenda to transform Enugu into a modern, multimodal city and reduce traffic conflicts caused by vehicles not designed for high-speed highways.
“This reform is not about taking jobs from anyone. It is about reorganizing the system so that BRT buses operate on primary roads, yellow buses on secondary routes, and tricycles handle last-mile connectivity,” he stated.
The commissioner announced that the state government has procured 200 CNG-powered BRT buses and 4,000 electric taxis, to be assembled locally at ANAMMCO. The first batch of 1,000 taxis is expected within three months. Additionally, 84 new bus shelters have been constructed across Enugu to support the new transport network.
He said Enugu, with an estimated two million daily commuters, requires at least 8,000 buses to meet mobility needs. The incoming BRT buses, he added, are equipped with padded seats, WiFi, air-conditioning and advanced safety features, with passengers required to be seated at all times. The BRT fare will also attract a 47 percent subsidy.
On operational planning, Dr. Ozor revealed that transport unions interested in managing BRT buses or terminals must submit proposals with clear financial models for government consideration. He added that the Ije Card, the state’s electronic payment system, would be expanded to reach five million residents within 90 days.
He acknowledged delays in allocating loading bays at the new transport terminals but said proposals were being reviewed.
Stakeholders at the meeting expressed support for the transport reforms while urging the government to consider their members’ interests.
The Enugu State Chairman of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Comrade Chidiebere Aniagu, assured that the unions were not opposed to the changes but appealed for adequate consultation.
His counterpart in the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Engr. Augustine Agu, praised Governor Mbah’s achievements.
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