The Enugu State Government has announced plans to restrict tricycles, yellow buses and minibuses from five major roads in the state capital to enable full rollout of its Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.
Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Obi Ozor, disclosed this during a consultative meeting with transport unions on Monday in Enugu. He said the affected corridors would become dedicated BRT routes in line with Gov. Peter Mbah’s vision of a modern, multimodal and globally competitive city.
He listed the routes to 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; and the entire Agbani Road stretch.
Ozor said tricycles were not suited for high-speed primary roads, noting that their removal from major corridors would enhance safety and improve traffic flow. He clarified that the reform would not displace operators but reorganise the value chain—BRT buses on primary routes, yellow buses on secondary routes and tricycles providing last-mile access.
He disclosed that the state had procured 200 CNG-powered BRT buses and 4,000 electric taxis to be assembled locally at ANAMMCO, with the first 1,000 taxis expected within three months. Government has also built 84 new bus shelters across the city.
The commissioner added that Enugu, with nearly two million daily commuters, required at least 8,000 buses to meet mobility needs. The new BRT buses come with padded seats, air-conditioning, WiFi and strict safety features, with a 47% fare discount for commuters.
He also announced resolutions reached at the meeting, including a call for transport unions to submit proposals to participate in BRT and terminal operations, expansion of the Ije Card e-payment system to reach five million residents within 90 days, and inauguration of a joint review committee to finalise operational modalities.
Transport union leaders expressed support for the reforms but appealed for consideration of members’ interests. The tricycle riders’ association requested provision of taxis to support operators willing to transition.
