The Abia State Government has said it has no plans to ban the operation of tricycles, popularly known as keke, across the state.

The clarification followed concerns among tricycle operators and residents over reports of restrictions on their activities.

The government explained that the measures did not amount to a general ban on keke operations in Abia.

It said the restrictions were targeted at specific routes and certain types of long-distance operations.

The government said tricycle operators remained free to operate within permitted areas, subject to existing transport regulations.

It urged operators and residents to disregard reports suggesting that the state government had prohibited keke operations throughout Abia.

The clarification comes after the government introduced measures to regulate commercial transport operations as part of efforts to improve road safety, traffic management and security.

The government maintained that its objective was to create a more organised transportation system while allowing legitimate transport operators to continue their businesses.

It urged tricycle operators to comply with the regulations and operate only on approved routes.