Anambra Keke Riders Cry Out Over Harassment, Hoodlums Masquerading as Revenue Agents

 

Tricycle operators across Anambra State, under the recently recognized umbrella of the Anambra Tricycle Riders Association (ANTRA), have raised the alarm over what they describe as persistent harassment and extortion by impostors falsely claiming to be government revenue agents. The group, while calling for immediate intervention, is also celebrating newfound unity and official support from the state government.

At the heart of their grievances is the daily ordeal many Keke riders face—being targeted by street-level thugs who exploit the guise of revenue collection to perpetrate illegal acts. Members of ANTRA say these individuals, operating with impunity, have not only endangered their safety but have also contributed to the longstanding stigma that associates Keke operators with criminality.

Voicing their concerns at the association’s inaugural meeting held in Awka, Comrade Chigozie Okafor, the State Chairman of ANTRA, reflected on the turbulent journey of Keke riders in the state. He painted a picture of a community once fragmented and unprotected, likening them to "sheep without a shepherd."

“Today,” he declared, “we are no longer scattered. Through the leadership of this association and with the endorsement of the government, Keke riders now have a collective voice, a platform to defend their dignity and pursue reforms that benefit all.”

Beyond lamenting the humiliation inflicted by fake revenue agents, ANTRA is pushing back against the social profiling that often casts its members as "Agboro"—a term that has become synonymous with touts and social miscreants. According to Okafor, such labels are not only inaccurate but also deeply unfair to thousands of hardworking individuals who depend on tricycle operations to support their families.

He emphasized that part of ANTRA’s mission is to "change the negative narrative" and redefine what it means to be a Keke rider in Anambra. By establishing clear policies, standard practices, and a culture of mutual support, the association aims to distance itself from the chaos and informalism that once plagued the sector.

The formation of ANTRA and its endorsement by Governor Charles Soludo represent a turning point, especially with the backing of the Anambra State House of Assembly. A recent resolution passed in favor of the association was warmly welcomed by the riders, who expressed gratitude to the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, and other lawmakers for their support.

This legislative recognition, Okafor noted, is more than symbolic—it paves the way for structural reforms within the sector. These include the introduction of a digital database to register all riders, a unified color scheme for tricycles in accordance with government branding policies, and financial support mechanisms for riders facing emergencies such as accidents, health crises, or theft.

Okafor explained that the creation of a centralized registry will make it easier for authorities to identify legitimate operators, improving both regulation and security. Additionally, the initiative is designed to help streamline the collection of weekly and monthly dues in a way that minimizes exploitation and maximizes transparency.

“There’s no reason why anyone posing as a government agent should have access to our members,” he said. “This digital platform will close that gap and empower us to self-regulate more effectively.”

ANTRA also plans to play a proactive role in supporting the government’s urban transport policies by promoting safety, accountability, and professional conduct among riders. As the association gains ground, its leadership hopes to establish a new standard for transport services that not only protects riders but also enhances the commuting experience for passengers across Anambra.

While challenges persist, the mood among Keke riders is shifting. From the shadows of neglect and abuse, ANTRA’s emergence signals a new era—one where unity, legitimacy, and empowerment are replacing fear and disorder. The association is urging the public, and especially the authorities, to continue supporting its efforts to restore dignity and structure to an essential part of the state’s transport system.