In an in-depth and exclusive interview, Chief Uchenna Okafor, the Director General for Taskforce and Monitoring of the Commercial Motorcycle and Tricycle Operators Association (COMTOA) in Delta State, offers a thorough analysis of the commercial tricycle popularly called Keke transportation sector. As the DG Taskforce and Monitoring, Chief Okafor has taken significant strides in organizing and regulating Keke (commercial tricycle) and motorcycle operators in the state, all while ensuring the safety of passengers and operators. Chief Okafor shares insights into the evolving relationship between COMTOA and the Delta State Government, the challenges and successes surrounding enforcement, the ongoing validation of Keke operators, and his collaborative efforts with law enforcement agencies.
In this interview, Chief Okafor also offers practical guidance for passengers seeking to report misbehaving operators and outlines Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s vision for the future of commercial transportation in Delta State. He praised the State Government for providing enabling environment, regulations and security commercial Keke and motorcycle (Okada).
How has the relationship between COMTOA and the Delta State Government evolved under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration?
The relationship between COMTOA and the Delta State Government under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration has been one of mutual respect, collaboration, and continuous improvement. When the governor assumed office, there was a recognition of the significant role that commercial tricycles and motorcycles, play in the state’s transportation system. Governor Oborevwori’s administration realized that organizing this vital sector was crucial not only for the safety and well-being of the public but also for enhancing the livelihoods of the operators.
Initially, we encountered some challenges typical of any industry undergoing regulation. There were issues with unregistered Keke operators, inadequate safety measures, and concerns about unruly conduct on the roads. However, the governor was proactive in engaging us and other stakeholders, understanding that such issues would take time to resolve but that a concerted effort have eventually paid off. Keke operators are happy to Delta State.
Governor Oborevwori’s leadership has been marked by open communication and a genuine desire to create a sustainable, well-regulated system for Keke and motorcycle operations in the state. His administration has worked hand-in-hand with COMTOA to bring about the necessary regulations that benefit both the operators and the general public. We have had regular meetings with the Ministry of Transport, to address concerns, fine-tune regulations, and implement new policies.
For example, one of the key successes of this partnership has been the establishment of a uniform system of registration and identification for all Keke operators, which has been instrumental in curbing illegal operations and improving safety. Additionally, the state government has supported our awareness programs, and COMTOA leadership in Delta State has always provided resources for enlightenment on safety measures, and reporting any suspicion passenger to the security agencies. This collaboration ensures that both the operators and passengers benefit from safer, more reliable transportation services.
While challenges still exist, particularly regarding a few operators who are either resistant to following the rules or who operate illegally, COMTOA and the state government has largely been productive. We have developed a shared understanding that we must continually work together to improve the sector, and that collaboration has been the key to the achieving long-term success.
As the Director General for Taskforce and Monitoring of COMTOA, what are your primary functions?
As the Director General COMTOA in Delta State, my role is to ensure that the operations of Okada and Keke operators are in line with the state’s rules and regulations. My duties include ensuring that all commercial Keke riders in Delta State are operating with the proper documentation, and enforcing the laws that govern their activities.
I lead taskforce teams that patrol and monitor different areas to check for compliance. We also educate riders on road safety and traffic rules to reduce accidents and improve their conducts; check illegal operators and unruly behaviour among the riders. I ensure that the activities of these operators don’t disrupt public peace or safety. At all times I make sure the riders are always on the right side of the law. It’s about creating a balance between providing a valuable transport service and maintaining law and order.
Tell me more about the validation and data collection of Keke operators?
The validation and data correction of Keke operators is a crucial initiative that aims to improve the safety, accountability, and regulation of the commercial transport sector in Delta State. The main purpose of this project is to create a reliable database that not only supports the operational needs of the sector but also addresses security concerns related to infiltrators who pose as legitimate Keke operators to commit crimes.
One of the key objectives of this initiative is to assist the Nigerian Police and the state government in curbing criminal activities associated with Keke operations. In recent years, there have been instances where individuals with malicious intent have used Keke vehicles to carry out illegal activities, such as transporting stolen goods, engaging in kidnappings, or being involved in other criminal acts. These infiltrators exploit the lack of proper registration and monitoring of operators, making it difficult for law enforcement agencies to identify and apprehend them.
By validating and correcting the data of Keke operators, we ensure that every legitimate operator is properly registered in our system, with up-to-date and accurate information about their identity, Keke, and the owner. This process helps to distinguish the real Keke operators from the criminals who are trying to exploit the system. It provides law enforcement agencies with a comprehensive database they can cross-check to identify suspicious individuals who are operating without authorization or engaging in criminal activities under the guise of being legitimate operators.
The validation process also helps to ensure that all Keke operators meet the necessary regulatory requirements set by the state government. This includes having proper documentation, such as a valid driver’s license, insurance for the Keke, proof of registration and daily ticketing. These requirements not only make the Keke sector more organized but also contribute to reducing the overall crime rate in the state. With accurate data on each operator, the police and other security agencies are able to easily trace and track individuals who might be involved in illegal activities.
Another significant outcome of the validation is the improvement in road safety and the quality of service provided by Keke operators. As part of the data collection, we also ensure that the Kekes are in good condition and that operators understand the importance of following traffic laws.
This makes the sector safer for passengers and reduces the likelihood of accidents or reckless driving.
Furthermore, this database is integrated with the Delta State Ministry of Transport which allows for real-time verification and tracking of operators. In the event of any criminal activity involving a Keke, it becomes much easier to trace the vehicle back to the operator, using the registered details we have collected. This process significantly enhances the ability of the police to investigate and respond swiftly to any crime.
The overall goal of the data correction and validation project is to ensure that the Keke sector operates with transparency, accountability, and security, reducing the chances of criminal infiltration. This initiative is a proactive step in ensuring that Delta State remains safe for all residents, and that Keke operators are able to perform their duties in a regulated and secure environment. By creating a robust database, we are not only improving the sector’s operation but also making it harder for criminals to take advantage of the Keke transportation system for illicit activities.
This initiative is a cornerstone of our ongoing efforts to work hand-in-hand with the Nigerian Police, the State Government, and other stakeholders to protect our State, support legitimate operators, and eliminate the risks posed by infiltrators who seek to undermine public safety.
How has your office collaborated with the Nigeria Police in Delta State?
The synergy between our office and the Nigeria Police in Delta State has been integral to the success of our efforts to monitor activities of Keke and motorcycle sector. Law enforcement plays a crucial role in ensuring that operators follow the rules and that the public is safe from dangerous or illegal practices. The police have also played a key role in addressing security concerns. In some cases, Keke operators may become involved in criminal activities, either knowingly or unknowingly, such as transporting stolen goods or being used for other criminal activities. Through our partnership, the police help us to investigate and apprehend operators who are involved in illegal activities.
We have a strong working relationship, where information is exchanged regularly, and we collaborate on strategic planning and problem-solving. This collaboration has helped to reduce incidents of unrest or non-compliance, and it has contributed to a more orderly and safe transport environment in Delta State.
How can passengers report misbehaving Keke operators, and what disciplinary actions are taken
Ensuring that passengers have a way to report misbehaving Keke operators is a priority for us. We have made it easy for passengers to file complaints through multiple channels. Passengers can report complaints directly to our office; passengers can visit any COMTOA offices or report incidents to the police.
We take every complaint seriously and encourage passengers to be proactive in reporting any issues they encounter. Common complaints include issues like overcharging, reckless driving, harassment, etc. Once a complaint is made, our taskforce investigates the situation thoroughly.
In cases of criminal behavior, we collaborate with the police to ensure that the operator faces the appropriate legal consequences, which may include arrest, prosecution, and possible jail time.
The aim is to maintain a safe and accountable environment for both operators and passengers, and we are committed to ensuring that violators are held accountable for their actions.
What are some of your key achievements as Director-General of COMTOA?
As Director-General of COMTOA, I am proud of the progress we have made in transforming the sector and ensuring that Keke operators work in a regulated, safe, and efficient environment, as provided by His Excellency Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori. The role of Director-General is indeed demanding, but I am grateful for the support we have received from the State Chairman of COMTOA, in achieving significant milestones. One of our biggest successes has been the establishment of a strong working relationship between COMTOA, the police, and the state government. This collaboration has greatly enhanced the enforcement of state policies, reducing cases of lawlessness on the roads. Most importantly, we have eradicated illegal ticketing and swiftly addressed the activities of illegal racketeers.
Furthermore, my office has continued to orientate all taskforces and monitoring teams on the importance of being polite and civil in their interactions. We believe that a respectful and professional approach is key to fostering cooperation and ensuring that enforcement efforts are effective and well-received by all parties involved.
In addition, we have launched several public education and awareness campaigns aimed at educating both Keke operators and Okada riders. These initiatives have been instrumental in shifting the attitudes of many Keke operators and Okada riders in our rural areas, who now take their roles much more seriously.
How well do Keke operators adhere to state revenue policies?
The cooperation from Keke operators in Delta State has grown significantly, and this is one of the areas where we have seen the most progress since the taskforce was formed. When we first began implementing regulations, there was considerable resistance from some operators, especially those who had been working without any formal oversight for years. Some operators were often unaware of the little state revenue law, were unwilling to comply, seeing them as a hindrance to their daily operations. We encountered the illegal revenue collectors were against us. One of the first steps we took was to engage with Keke operators through enlightenment programs. These programs were designed to inform operators about the importance of adhering to government revenue, and the potential penalties for non-compliance.
Through consistent outreach efforts, most operators began to see the value in compliance. There was also the realization that operating illegally or recklessly could lead to heavy fines, penalties, or even the loss of their operating licenses, which would ultimately harm their livelihoods.
On the state government operational hours, Keke operators are all aware and they have continued to respect that. It will interest you to know that now Keke operators understand that they have a role to play in reducing road congestion, improving traffic flow. While the overall cooperation has been good, there is still work to be done. Some pockets of resistance remain, particularly from a small group of operators who are either misinformed or reluctant to follow the rules. These individuals are often located in high-traffic areas where the demand for Keke services is high. However, we continue to work on strategies to engage them and encourage better adherence to the law.
In the long term, we are optimistic that cooperation will continue to increase as more operators recognize the benefits of a well-regulated industry, such as reduced accidents, increased earnings, and improved public perception.
What do you have to say about Governor Sherriff Oborevwori creating enabling environment for Keke operators in Delta State and generally your views about the State leadership of COMTOA
Governor Sherriff Oborevwori understands the critical role the Keke operators play in the local economy and transportation system, hence he has continued to create the enabling environment for in Delta State, and that is commendable. Keke operators provide affordable and accessible transportation options for many residents, especially in urban and semi-urban areas. So, creating an environment where they can operate more efficiently and with better support not only helps them but also improves the overall mobility within the state.
Regarding the leadership of COMTOA, the State Chairman leadership has shown a commitment to organizing and empowering Keke operators, ensuring they have a collective voice and platform to address their concerns. He has fostered better relations with the government and other stakeholders, creating opportunities for dialogue, which is essential for growth. COMTOA’s leadership is instrumental in advocating for favourable policies, better working conditions, and ensuring that Keke operators have a space to thrive while adhering to the law.
Overall, the synergy between Governor Oborevwori’s initiatives and COMTOA’s leadership seems to be a step in the right direction for the development of transportation in Delta State, and I think it bodes well for both the operators and the broader community.
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