Borno State Traffic Management Agency (BOTMA) has restated its commitment to the full enforcement of the standard body number regulation for tricycles operating across the state.
This reaffirmation follows a recent protest staged by a group of tricycle riders in Maiduguri, who expressed dissatisfaction with the enforcement of the measure.
Speaking to journalists at the BOTMA headquarters on Thursday in Maiduguri, the General Manager of the Agency, Engr. Baba Shehu Tijjani, explained that the regulation, which mandates tricycle operators to display a standardized body number measuring six inches in length and three inches in width, is aimed at enhancing public safety and facilitating proper identification of tricycles.
He noted that the regulation has been in place since the establishment of the agency in 2020, in line with the Borno State Government’s efforts to curb crimes such as phone snatching, theft, and other offenses often perpetrated using unidentifiable tricycles.
“The decision to fully enforce the bold placement of tricycle body numbers is in response to the growing number of public complaints related to criminal activities involving unidentified tricycles,” Tijjani said. “This regulation is not punitive but protective. It is designed for the benefit of all residents of Borno State.”
While acknowledging the recent protest, Tijjani urged tricycle operators to engage appropriate regulatory bodies to air their grievances rather than resorting to self-help.
“We encourage all tricycle operators to direct their grievances through the appropriate regulatory bodies. Taking the law into their own hands will not be tolerated, and BOTMA will not hesitate to sanction defaulters who refuse to comply with the law,” he warned.
He further stated that the agency remains open to dialogue and collaboration with stakeholders in the transport sector to ensure a safer and more organized traffic system in the state.
The public is advised to report traffic-related issues or make inquiries through the following numbers: +234 705 438 6077, +234 803 498 0293, and +234 706 160 0761.
