In Abia State, operators of tricycles known as Keke NAPEP in Umuahia and Aba must undergo biometric capture and get a rider’s permit.

According to the State Ministry of Transport, the exercise will be coordinated by leaders of various tricycle unions in the state in compliance with Governor Okezie Ikpeazu’s direction.

Ijeoma Okere, permanent secretary, Ministry of Transport, announced this in Umuahia, adding that rider’s permits would be granted following the biometric capture process.

According to the ministry, the locations for the proposed biometric collection include tricycle union offices and certified cyber cafes.

According to the statement, the riders were encouraged to heed the directive in their own best interests because enforcement of the ban would begin in the state.

However, some Keke NAPEP riders who came out against the proposed biometric verification policy accused tricycle union leaders of allegedly conspiring with the State Ministry of Transport to make money off of them, alleging that the scheme is more of a revenue generator for the government.

Some tricycle operators, however, stated their willingness to participate in the biometric program but asked the State government to make the rider’s permit reasonable for them.

The State Ministry of Transport has long stated that the policy was designed to ensure the accuracy of Keke NAPEP operators in Abia in order to maintain security and order in the state.