The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that commercial tricycles popularly known as Keke Napep and motorcycles (Okada) will not be allowed to operate within the Abuja city centre.
Wike made the declaration on Tuesday during his monthly media chat in Abuja, stating that the activities of Keke Napep and Okada operators had become a security concern and a nuisance in the nation’s capital
The minister said the decision followed a meeting with the FCT Security Council, where it was agreed that certain measures were needed to address security challenges associated with their operations.
He said: “You talked about Keke Napep and Okada, just this morning I signed the approval because we had a security council meeting where we agreed that they don’t just cause a nuisance but for the issue of security, it has become a threat.”
Wike added that security agencies had been directed to identify areas within Abuja where the operations of tricycles and motorcycles would be restricted.
“I have told the security people to map out areas where we do not need the Keke Napep and the motorcycles, but it would be difficult to ban them in the entire Abuja, particularly,” he said.
The FCT minister also disclosed that efforts were ongoing to address the presence of destitute persons and beggars across the capital city.
According to him, the administration would not continue providing shelters for people who migrate from neighbouring states into Abuja.
“Each time we take them out they come in again. Some people say why not provide where they would be staying? How would we continue to be doing that? It means we are encouraging people to leave Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, and Kaduna,” Wike stated.
He maintained that the FCT administration would continue to take measures aimed at improving security, orderliness, and the appearance of Abuja.
Samuel Agada is a writer and media contributor from Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. He is a graduate of Biochemistry from the University of Jos and a former banker with GTBank and FCMB. A prolific writer, songwriter, educator, and Gospel preacher, he is passionate about informing, inspiring, and impacting society through his work.