A human rights group, Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD), has urged the Abia State Government to reconsider the restrictions it has placed on the operational hours of tricycles and motorcycles in Umuahia and Aba.
Earlier this week, the state government restricted the movement of tricycles (Keke NAPEP) and motorcycles (Okada) from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., stating that the policy, effective from July 1, would help reduce robberies and pickpocketing activities.
However, FENRAD criticised the Abia State government for this decision, stating that it would bring economic hardship upon Abia residents, affect nightlife, and increase unemployment in the state, which it alleged is currently at 50 per cent.
The group, speaking through its Executive Director, Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, noted that the removal of the fuel subsidy has forced many Abia car owners who cannot afford to fuel their cars and those who work late to rely on tricycles and motorcycles for transportation.
While acknowledging that some criminal activities are carried out in the streets of Umuahia and Aba by people using tricycles, FENRAD called for the installation of CCTV cameras at strategic locations in the two cities rather than imposing restrictions on tricycle and motorcycle operations.
“A ban like this may worsen hardships, with family finances shrinking and purchasing power declining daily. Many evening motorists are government workers who engage in part-time tricycle business to supplement their income. It is a no-brainer that the minimum wage in Nigeria has fallen low, leaving workers struggling,” the group stated.
FENRAD, however, commended Governor Alex Otti for restoring security in the Lokpanta axis of Abia and urged him to apply the same measures to tackle crime around the state.