The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has announced that the FCT Administration is considering a ban on commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada, and tricycles, known as Keke Napep, in specific areas of Abuja. This move follows a Security Council meeting where intelligence reports linked these vehicles to criminal activities, particularly banditry.
Wike made this disclosure during his monthly media chat on Tuesday, August 4, broadcast live on Channels TV. He revealed that he had already signed an approval that morning to initiate the process, stating that the vehicles have become a security threat beyond being a nuisance.
Security Council Meeting Triggers Action
According to Wike, the decision was reached after security agencies presented intelligence connecting motorcycles to bandit operations in the capital. He emphasized that bandits often use motorcycles when they are not actively carrying out attacks, making them a significant concern for security forces.
"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 also noted that security agencies have been tasked with mapping out specific zones where the ban will be enforced, rather than implementing a blanket ban across the entire FCT.
Why a Full FCT Ban Is Off the Table
Despite the security concerns, Wike argued that a territory-wide ban is not practical given Abuja's size and the transportation demands of its population. He explained that a complete ban would be difficult to enforce and could disrupt the daily lives of residents who rely on these modes of transport.
"I've told the security agencies to map out areas where we do not need the Keke Napep and the motorcycle, 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 added that he has also approved the release of logistics to support the planned security operations, ensuring that the enforcement teams have the necessary resources to carry out their duties effectively.
Beggars Returning After Evacuation
The minister also addressed the persistent problem of street beggars in Abuja, stating that removal efforts have yielded only short-term results. Displaced individuals often return to the capital within weeks, undoing the progress made during evacuation exercises.
"Each time we take them out, they come in again. Each time you take them out, they come in again," Wike said, adding that returning them to their states of origin has also failed to provide a lasting solution.
He attributed part of the difficulty to Abuja's geography, noting that the FCT shares borders with four states—Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, and Kaduna—making it harder to control the movement of people into the city. Wike said calls for the government to shelter and feed those evacuated are not sustainable, as doing so would only attract more people from neighboring states.
Wike Waters Down Atiku's Presidency
Previously, Legit.ng reported that Wike declared that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar's choice of running mate for the 2027 presidential election could prove fatal to his ambitions of returning to power. Wike made these remarks during a media chat in Port Harcourt on Saturday, arguing that selecting a vice-presidential candidate purely for their political title, rather than their ability to deliver votes, was a strategic miscalculation.
The minister's comments have sparked reactions across the political spectrum, with some analysts suggesting that his stance could influence the dynamics of the upcoming election. However, Wike has not elaborated further on his claims, leaving room for speculation.
As Abuja prepares for potential restrictions on Okada and Keke Napep, residents and transport unions are likely to engage in discussions with the FCT Administration to ensure that any ban is implemented with minimal disruption to daily life. The mapping of specific zones is expected to be completed soon, with enforcement to follow thereafter.
