Uyo – Akwa Ibom Government says it plans to introduce new taxi scheme that will meet best practices as well as complement activities of tricycle operators.
Dr Godwin Ntukudeh, the State Commissioner for Transport, dropped the hint in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Uyo on Wednesday.
Ntukudeh said that the taxi scheme would complement areas where tricycles were restricted and also offer call services to meet best practices, especially visitors to the state.
He maintained that the state government was considering a long term plan, should there be need for any withdrawal of Keke services.
“When we are ready to implement this, we will negotiate with the operators and stakeholders in the industry so that there will be no major disruption of their activities in future.
“Just as motorcycles were phased out for improved Keke activities, the people and operators will ultimately enjoy the new taxi system the government will put in place in the future,” Ntukudeh said.
The commissioner condemned rumours in some quarters that Gov. Udom Emmanuel was planning to ban Keke operations in the state.
“Akwa Ibom State Government has no plan to ban the activities of commercial tricycle activities otherwise known as Keke Napep in the state.
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“Although the ministry is partnering some investors to introduce a corporate township call taxis, to complement urban transportation.
“Government is well aware that the operators depend solely on the services as means of livelihood; and government will not be so insensitive as to abruptly terminate its operations for now.’’ he said.
The commissioner said that `tricycle riding’ had help in creating informal employment to the youths, reduction of crime waves and ensuring security. (NAN)