Wike: Keke, Okada Will Never Operate in Abuja City Centre

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 announcement on Tuesday during his monthly media briefing in Abuja, citing security concerns and the growing nuisance posed by the operators.

According to the minister, the decision followed deliberations at a recent FCT Security Council meeting, where members agreed that the activities of Keke and Okada operators have become a threat to public safety.

“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 said.

He explained that security agencies have been directed to identify areas where the operation of tricycles and motorcycles will be prohibited, while acknowledging that a total ban across the Federal Capital Territory would be impractical.

“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,” he added.

Crackdown on beggars, destitutes

The FCT minister also reiterated his administration’s resolve to remove destitutes and street beggars from the nation’s capital.

He said authorities regularly evacuate beggars from the city, but many return shortly afterward.

Responding to suggestions that the government should establish shelters for them, Wike argued that doing so would encourage more people from neighbouring states to migrate to 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. How can you fund that?” he said.

The minister maintained that his administration remains committed to improving security, orderliness and the overall appearance of the Federal Capital Territory.