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 permitted to operate within the Abuja city centre, citing growing security concerns.
Speaking during his monthly media chat in Abuja on Tuesday, Wike said the activities of commercial tricycle and motorcycle operators had become not only a public nuisance but also a serious security threat to residents of the nation’s capital.
The minister disclosed that he had already signed the necessary approval following a recent FCT Security Council meeting, where members resolved that stricter measures were needed to address the situation.
According to him, security agencies have been directed to identify and designate areas where Keke NAPEP and Okada operations would be prohibited.
“Why did you talk about Keke NAPEP and Okada? Just this morning, I signed the approval because we had a Security Council meeting where we agreed that they not only cause a nuisance but, for security reasons, have become a threat.
“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 minister also reiterated his administration’s resolve to rid the Federal Capital of destitutes and street beggars, saying the FCT Administration would not establish shelters that could encourage an influx of people from neighbouring states.
He noted that although authorities regularly remove beggars and destitutes from the city, many often return shortly afterwards.
Wike maintained that the FCT Administration would continue to implement policies aimed at improving security, orderliness and the overall image of the nation’s capital.
