The Abia State Government has assured residents and commercial tricycle operators that it has no plans to ban the operation of tricycles, popularly known as Keke, across the state.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, gave the assurance while briefing journalists at the Government House, Umuahia, on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.

Kanu said the government would not be pressured into banning Keke operations without a compelling reason.

He explained that the administration's focus was instead on improving and properly regulating the transportation system across the state.

“The government is not going to be stampeded into banning Keke operations when there is no compelling need to do so,” he said.

The commissioner added that the government was working to streamline the activities of commercial vehicles and tricycles to improve transportation efficiency and reduce traffic congestion, particularly in major cities.

Kanu also acknowledged the increase in the number of Keke operators in Abia, which he said followed restrictions placed on their operations in some neighbouring states.

He, however, maintained that banning commercial tricycles was not part of the Abia State Government's plans.