FCT won’t allow Keke Napep, Okada back into city centre, Wike

Abuja's city center will soon prohibit the operation of tricycles, known as Keke Napep, and commercial motorcycles, or Okadas, according to Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike. The ban is a direct response to escalating security concerns, with Wike describing the vehicles as more than just a nuisance, but a genuine threat to residents.

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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.

The decision, reached during a security council meeting, empowers security agencies to identify specific zones within the capital where these modes of transport will be excluded. While an outright ban across the entire territory is deemed difficult to enforce, targeted restrictions are planned.

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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.

Wike also touched upon the persistent issue of destitute individuals and beggars populating the capital's streets. He acknowledged the administration's limited resources to provide adequate shelter for them. Despite efforts to clear them, Wike noted that they often return, and he cautioned against providing accommodation, fearing it would attract more people from neighboring states.

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We are working that out and just need approval to raise logistics, even destitutes, beggars are all over the place. Each time we move them out they come in again.