Tricycle Operators Back Mbah and Tinubu Following Operating Hours Extension and Fee Waiver

Commercial tricycle operators, commonly known across Nigeria as keke riders, have declared support for Governor Peter Mbah and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections. According to a report by Premium Times Nigeria, the endorsement came alongside significant policy shifts, including the extension of allowable operating hours and the cancellation of a mandatory daily tax on riders.

Key Policy Shifts: Extended Hours and Abolished Levies

Under the revised directives announced by the state administration, tricycle operators are now permitted to run commercial services until 10:00 pm. Previously, stricter operating curfews had curtailed evening transport activities across major routes.

In addition to the extended schedule, Governor Mbah abolished the ₦750 daily operational payment previously imposed on tricycle operators in the state. The elimination of the flat daily fee removes a persistent recurring cost for operators, providing immediate financial relief to workers in the informal transport sector.

Political Alignment Ahead of 2027

Following the policy concessions, the association of tricycle riders publicly endorsed both Governor Mbah and President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 election cycle. In Nigerian urban politics, informal transport unions frequently represent substantial voting blocs and grassroots organizational power.

By securing regulatory relaxations and tax reductions, the union positioned its members firmly behind the incumbent state leadership and the presidency. The report by Premium Times Nigeria highlighted that these administrative measures served as the backdrop for the political declarations.

Operational Context and Outstanding Details

The decision to permit operations up to 10:00 pm marks a shift in municipal transport management, potentially boosting night-time commerce and mobility for commuters who rely on tricycles as an affordable transit option.

However, specific operational guidelines surrounding security enforcement during late-night hours were not detailed in the initial report. Furthermore, the report did not outline how local councils or transport regulators intend to replace the revenue previously generated by the ₦750 daily collections, or whether new digital registration systems might eventually take their place.

As the administration moves forward with these policy adjustments, monitoring will focus on how the extended operating window impacts urban security, commuter convenience, and the broader relationship between informal transport unions and state authorities leading toward 2027.

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p class=”vbna-source-note”>Source: Premium Times Nigeria

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