BY MUSA IDRIS UMAR, APRIL 18, 2025 | 07:02 AM
BOTMA warns tricycle operators against aawlessness, reaffirms commitment to regulation enforcement
The Borno State Traffic Management Agency (BOTMA) has issued a strong warning to tricycle operators across the state, urging them to channel any grievances through appropriate regulatory bodies rather than resorting to protests or other unlawful actions.
The warning follows a recent protest by a group of tricycle riders in Maiduguri on Thursday who expressed dissatisfaction with the enforcement of standardized body number regulations.
Addressing the media at the agency’s headquarters, BOTMA General Manager, Engr. Baba Shehu Tijjani, stated that the agency will not tolerate any form of lawlessness and is prepared to sanction defaulters who fail to comply with existing traffic laws.
'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,' Engr. Tijjani warned.
He reiterated that the enforcement of bold, standardized tricycle body numbers—measuring 6 inches in length and 3 inches in width—is a policy introduced in 2020 to enhance public safety, traceability, and curb rising criminal activities involving unidentified tricycles.
According to the agency, the measure is not punitive but a proactive strategy to protect the lives and property of citizens.
BOTMA also emphasized that it remains open to dialogue with stakeholders, including tricycle unions, to ensure mutual understanding and cooperation.
For further information or to report traffic-related issues, the public is encouraged to contact BOTMA via the following numbers: +234 705 438 6077, +234 803 498 0293, and +234 706 160 0761.