SAPELE, DELTA STATE — Commercial activities were severely disrupted in Sapele on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, after thousands of tricycle operators, popularly known as Keke riders, embarked on a mass protest against a new government directive banning the use of side curtains and attachments on their vehicles.
TJ News Nigeria gathered that the strike left thousands of commuters stranded, crippled business operations, and slowed down public services across the town. The directive, enforced by the Delta State Government, was aimed at improving public safety but has drawn strong backlash from transport operators who say the policy is economically damaging.
Commuters Left Stranded Across Sapele
From early morning, major roads, junctions, and parks in Sapele were deserted by Keke operators. Residents were seen trekking long distances, with some turning back home after waiting for unavailable transport.
- Schools, hospitals, markets, and offices recorded minimal attendance.
- Many workers and students failed to reach their destinations.
- Small businesses faced reduced patronage due to low customer turnout.
“I waited at Amukpe junction for nearly an hour and didn’t see a single Keke,” said Mrs. Ogaga, a trader. “Eventually, I gave up and went home. How do we survive like this?”
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Why the Keke Riders Are Protesting
The protest stems from the July 1 deadline issued by the Delta State Government mandating all tricycle operators to remove side curtains and rear attachments, which authorities claim are being exploited for criminal purposes.
However, riders insist that these features are essential for daily operations, especially for transporting goods in areas inaccessible to cars.
TJ News Nigeria learnt that many operators rely on the attachments to carry bags of produce, drinks, and personal effects for customers. Some riders described the features as weather shields and cargo support systems.
“We use them to carry customers’ loads—plantain bunches, garri, drinks. This is how we earn a living,” said Joseph, a tricycle rider.
Government’s Justification for the Ban
According to the Delta State Ministry of Transport, the ban was introduced as a security measure following reports that criminals had used covered tricycles to conceal weapons, evade surveillance, and commit crimes in various parts of the state.
The government warned in June that any Keke with curtains or rear extensions would be impounded starting July 1, in line with its safety enforcement initiative under the Delta State Traffic and Safety Law.
Despite the peaceful nature of Tuesday’s protest, task force teams were spotted in parts of Sapele and Amukpe trying to enforce the directive. In several instances, resistance from riders disrupted operations.
TJ News Nigeria learnt that no violence or arrests were reported as of press time, though security personnel remained on standby to prevent escalation.
Riders Allege No Consultation, No Alternatives
Protesting Keke riders accused the government of implementing the policy without engaging key stakeholders. Some union leaders said the attachments were acquired legally and even inspected by transport authorities at the point of registration.
“We were not consulted. Some of us spent money on these attachments. They’re part of how we survive in this economy,” said one union executive who declined to be named.
Operators also criticized the lack of compensation or alternative measures to cushion the economic blow caused by the enforcement.
Legal Backing and Public Safety Concerns
The Delta State Government’s position is anchored on provisions in the Delta State Traffic and Safety Law, which allows authorities to regulate public transportation infrastructure for the sake of safety and order.
Legal experts told TJ News Nigeria that while the state has a right to implement safety policies, enforcement should be balanced with public dialogue, due notice, and economic impact assessment to avoid unnecessary hardship.
Residents also expressed concern that the situation, if left unresolved, could spread to other towns in Delta State and deepen the transportation crisis.
“The hardship is too much already,” said a commuter at Olympia Road. “Let the government meet them and agree on something.”
TJ News Nigeria learnt that unless talks begin soon, the strike may escalate across the state, with broader consequences for daily life and local economies.
