Delta State Chairman of the Commercial Motorcycles and Tricycles Operators Association (COMTOA), Chief Uchenna Okafor.

Monday Iyke

Residents of Delta State have expressed growing concerns about the activities of tricycle operators, popularly referred to as “Keke” drivers.

These concerns center on the operators’ reckless behavior, disregard for traffic laws, and an alarming increase in the use of tricycles for criminal activities, which poses serious risks to public safety and order.

Recklessness and Traffic Violations
Chief Emma Ekwueme, a resident of Asaba, highlighted the dangers posed by the operators’ non-compliance with basic traffic rules.

He noted that many tricycle operators blatantly ignore speed limits, fail to yield to pedestrians, and often drive against traffic, a practice known as “one-way driving.”

These behaviors create chaos on the roads, making it difficult for other motorists and pedestrians to navigate safely.

Nigerian traffic laws are designed to ensure the safety of all road users, including pedestrians, motorists, and tricycle operators themselves. These laws clearly outline the responsibilities of drivers, including tricycle operators, to minimize accidents and maintain order on public roads. Here is a detailed explanation of each stipulated responsibility:
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1. Adherence to Speed Limits
Tricycle operators are required to drive within prescribed speed limits, especially in populated areas, school zones, and markets where there is heavy pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Speed limits are critical for reducing the risk of accidents, as excessive speed makes it difficult for drivers to stop in time to avoid collisions or respond to unexpected obstacles.
Key Issues:
• Many tricycle operators exceed speed limits, particularly in urban centers, leading to a higher likelihood of accidents.
• High speeds increase the severity of accidents, resulting in serious injuries or fatalities.
• Pedestrians, especially children and the elderly, are most vulnerable when operators drive recklessly at high speeds.
Solution:
Regular enforcement through speed checks and penalties for offenders is essential. Speed governors could also be installed in tricycles to limit their maximum speed automatically.
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2. Roadworthiness of Vehicles
Tricycles must meet minimum safety standards and be properly maintained to operate on public roads. This includes having functional brakes, proper lighting systems (headlights and indicators), good tires, and a structurally sound frame.
Key Issues:
• Many operators use poorly maintained tricycles that are prone to mechanical failures such as brake failure or tire bursts.
• Faulty vehicles increase the risk of accidents, particularly on busy roads or during sudden stops.
• Lack of regular maintenance also causes avoidable breakdowns, leading to traffic congestion.
Solution:
Periodic vehicle inspections should be mandated to ensure roadworthiness. Operators should be required to present certification from approved mechanics confirming that their vehicles are safe for public use.
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3. Obedience to Road Signs
Drivers, including tricycle operators, are obligated to obey traffic lights, stop signs, pedestrian crossings, and other road signals. These rules are fundamental to maintaining order and preventing accidents.
Key Issues:
• Many tricycle operators ignore traffic lights and signs, particularly at junctions and busy intersections.
• This behavior often causes accidents, delays, and confusion among other road users.
• Disregarding pedestrian crossings puts lives at risk, especially in urban areas where foot traffic is high.
Solution:
Traffic education programs should be conducted to sensitize operators on the importance of obeying road signs. Strict penalties for violations, including fines and license suspensions, can act as deterrents.
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4. Driver Licensing
Tricycle operators must possess valid driver’s licenses to ensure they have undergone the necessary training and are qualified to operate vehicles on public roads. Licensing serves as a regulatory tool to ensure that operators understand traffic laws and can drive responsibly.
Key Issues:
• A significant number of tricycle operators in Nigeria do not have valid licenses, either because they cannot afford them or because they bypass the licensing process.
• Unlicensed drivers often lack adequate knowledge of road rules, increasing the risk of accidents.
• This lack of regulation makes it difficult to hold drivers accountable for violations or accidents.
Solution:
Authorities should establish affordable and accessible driver education programs to ensure all operators can obtain proper licenses. Regular checks should be conducted to verify licenses, and unlicensed operators should face penalties.
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5. Avoiding Reckless Maneuvers
Reckless driving behaviors such as overloading, abrupt lane changes, tailgating, and driving against traffic (popularly known as “one-way driving”) are prohibited. These practices endanger not only the operators but also their passengers and other road users.
Key Issues:
• Overloading tricycles with excessive passengers or cargo can lead to loss of control, making accidents more likely.
• Sudden lane changes and aggressive maneuvers disrupt the flow of traffic and cause collisions.
• Driving against traffic is a major safety hazard that confuses other road users and increases the chances of head-on collisions.
Solution:
Clear enforcement mechanisms, such as fines and impounding vehicles involved in reckless driving, should be implemented. Public awareness campaigns highlighting the dangers of these behaviors can also reduce their prevalence.
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Consequences of Violations
When tricycle operators fail to comply with these laws, the results are often catastrophic:
• Frequent Accidents: Many of these incidents result in severe injuries or fatalities.
• Traffic Congestion: Violations disrupt traffic flow, causing unnecessary delays for commuters.
• Inconvenience for Road Users: Reckless maneuvers force other drivers to take evasive actions, increasing the stress and danger on the roads.
• Economic Losses: Accidents lead to damages, medical expenses, and loss of income for victims.
By adhering to these laws, tricycle operators can ensure safer roads, reduce accidents, and improve their reputation as a reliable mode of transportation. For effective enforcement, government agencies, transport unions, and other stakeholders must collaborate to promote compliance and accountability.
Tricycles and Rising Criminal Activities
The recklessness of some tricycle operators is compounded by the alarming rise in their involvement in criminal activities. Pastor Mrs. Eva Eloho Efemena, who recently fell victim to a robbery involving a tricycle, expressed her concerns. She explained that criminals now use tricycles to commit robberies, as the vehicles allow them to blend into the flow of traffic and quickly escape after an offense.
She called for immediate government intervention, stating, “The use of Keke for robberies has become a significant threat. The government must take immediate and drastic steps to address this menace before it spirals further out of control.”
Expert Recommendations for Addressing the Issues
To combat the recklessness of tricycle operators and their involvement in criminal activities, experts have outlined a series of practical measures. These recommendations focus on improving accountability, ensuring vehicle safety, and fostering awareness among operators and commuters. Below is a detailed explanation of each recommendation:
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1. Comprehensive Documentation and Registration
Proper documentation and registration of tricycles are essential for ensuring accountability and regulating the activities of operators.
What It Entails:
• Each tricycle should be assigned a unique registration number that is clearly displayed on the vehicle.
• The registration details must be linked to the operator’s personal information, including their name, address, photograph, and a valid means of identification.
• Operators should also be required to register with relevant transport unions or associations to ensure compliance with industry standards.
Benefits:
• Makes it easier for law enforcement to trace operators involved in traffic violations or criminal activities.
• Encourages accountability as operators know they can be identified and held responsible for misconduct.
• Helps to differentiate legitimate operators from unregistered or illegal ones.
Implementation Steps:
• The government should establish a centralized database to store registration details.
• Regular audits and checks should be conducted to ensure that all operators are registered.
• Unregistered tricycles should be impounded, and their operators penalized.
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2. Identifiable Uniforms and Codes
Requiring operators to wear identifiable uniforms and display unique identification codes enhances visibility and accountability.
What It Entails:
• Operators should wear brightly colored vests or uniforms with their names and a unique identification code prominently displayed.
• The codes should correspond to their registration numbers and be easily visible to passengers, law enforcement, and other road users.
Benefits:
• Allows passengers to identify operators easily, making it simpler to report incidents such as reckless driving or criminal behavior.
• Acts as a deterrent to illegal activities, as operators know they can be identified.
• Enhances public trust and professionalism in the sector.
Implementation Steps:
• Transport unions should issue standardized uniforms and codes to all registered operators.
• Penalties should be imposed on operators who fail to wear their uniforms or display their codes.
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3. Routine Vehicle Inspections
Regular inspections are necessary to ensure that tricycles are in good working condition and meet roadworthiness standards.
What It Entails:
• Tricycles should undergo periodic checks to assess the functionality of key components such as brakes, headlights, indicators, tires, and the vehicle’s overall structural integrity.
• Inspections should be conducted by certified mechanics or government-approved centers.
• Operators should receive a certificate of roadworthiness upon passing the inspection.
Benefits:
• Reduces the likelihood of accidents caused by mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions or tire bursts.
• Ensures compliance with safety standards, protecting passengers and other road users.
• Encourages operators to maintain their vehicles regularly.
Implementation Steps:
• The government should establish inspection centers in strategic locations for easy access.
• Operators should be required to present proof of inspection during registration renewals.
• Severe penalties should be imposed on operators using unroadworthy vehicles.
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4. Public Education Campaigns
Creating awareness about road safety and the importance of adhering to traffic laws is crucial for fostering a culture of responsibility among operators and commuters.
What It Entails:
• Organizing workshops and seminars for tricycle operators to educate them on traffic laws, road safety practices, and the consequences of violations.
• Using mass media platforms such as radio, television, and social media to reach a wider audience with road safety messages.
• Partnering with schools, community organizations, and transport unions to disseminate information about safe commuting practices.
Benefits:
• Increases operators’ awareness of their responsibilities and the impact of their actions on public safety.
• Empowers commuters to recognize and report unsafe or illegal behavior by operators.
• Promotes a culture of accountability and professionalism within the transport sector.
Implementation Steps:
• Government agencies and transport unions should collaborate to develop and fund educational campaigns.
• Materials such as flyers, posters, and videos should be distributed in areas with high tricycle activity.
• Reward systems could be introduced to recognize operators who consistently adhere to safety standards.
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Conclusion
By implementing these measures—comprehensive registration, identifiable uniforms, routine inspections, and public education campaigns—Delta State can address the challenges posed by tricycle operators effectively. These recommendations not only enhance accountability and safety but also restore public confidence in the tricycle transport sector as a reliable mode of transportation.

COMTOA’s Response to Residents’ Concerns
The Delta State Chairman of the Commercial Motorcycles and Tricycles Operators Association (COMTOA), Chief Uchenna Okafor, has assured residents that the association is committed to addressing these concerns. Speaking through the Public Relations Officer, Comrade Ngozi Ogboi, Chief Okafor detailed measures being implemented to regulate tricycle operations.

“We have established task forces to monitor and enforce compliance among our members. Any operator found flouting traffic rules or engaging in criminal acts will face severe punitive measures,” Ogboi stated.

He added that the association has introduced measures to identify and expel criminal elements from their ranks. COMTOA is also collaborating with law enforcement agencies to ensure operators adhere to the highest standards of safety and professionalism.

• Call for Government and Stakeholder Collaboration

To ensure the success of these measures, stakeholders have been urged to play their roles effectively. The government, in particular, must enforce traffic laws consistently, implement stricter penalties for violations, and provide the necessary infrastructure to regulate tricycle operations.
Law enforcement agencies should intensify patrols, conduct regular stop-and-search operations, and apprehend violators promptly. Transport unions and civil society organizations can also contribute by educating operators and promoting public awareness about the importance of road safety.

• Conclusion
The reckless behavior of some tricycle operators and their involvement in criminal activities have become pressing issues in Delta State. However, with the implementation of expert-recommended measures, strict enforcement of traffic laws, and collaboration among stakeholders, these challenges can be effectively addressed.
By taking decisive action, Delta State can restore order to its roads, ensuring the safety and convenience of all residents while maintaining tricycles as a viable mode of transport.

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