Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says the FCT Administration (FCTA) is considering banning commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada, and tricycles, also known as Keke-Napep, in parts of Abuja over growing security concerns.
Wike said the decision followed recommendations from the FCT Security Council after intelligence reports linked motorcycles to criminal activities.
The FCT Minister, who disclosed this during his monthly media chat on television yesterday, revealed that he had approved measures to strengthen security logistics and directed security agencies to identify areas where the operations of Okada and Keke-Napep should be prohibited. “Apart from this, as you know, just this morning, I signed approval after we had a Security Council meeting, where we agreed that, beyond constituting a nuisance, they have become a security threat. From our security reports, bandits, when they don’t act, they use motorcycles”, Wike said.
The Minister, however, said a blanket ban across the FCT would be difficult to implement because of the city’s size and transportation needs. “I’ve told the security agencies to map-out areas where we do not need the Keke-Napep and the motorcycles; but it will be difficult for you to ban them in the entire Abuja. But particularly, it is necessary within the city not to allow Keke-Napep and the Okada. They are working that out”, he said.
Wike also disclosed that he had approved the release of logistics to support the planned security operations.
Speaking on the recurring presence of beggars in the nation’s capital, the minister said efforts to remove them had yielded only temporary results, as many returned shortly after being evacuated. Wike attributed the challenge partly to Abuja’s location, noting that the Federal Capital Territory is bordered by several states. “You know Abuja is in the centre, surrounded by four states. So, it’s a big problem, but we’ll do the best we can”, he added.
