The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has reiterated that tricycles, also known as Keke Napep, and commercial motorcycles, also known as Okada, will soon be prohibited.
Wike stated that the decision was primarily motivated by security concerns during his monthly media briefing on Tuesday. He emphasized that both modes of transportation have grown more dangerous in the nation’s capital.
He said:
“You talked about Keke Napep and Okada, just this morning I signed the approval because we had a security council meeting were we agreed that they don’t just cause a nuisance but for the issue of security, it has 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.”
“We are working that out and just need approval to raise logistics, even destitutes, beggars are all over the place. 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?”
Banning Keke and Okada is like to taking food away from some people’s tables, leaving many without reliable means of livelihood. I believe the minister should kindly consider the impact on ordinary citizens and prioritize solutions that address safety concerns without pushing people into desperation or theft. It’s important to find a balanced approach that protects the community while also supporting the livelihoods of those who depend on these modes of transportation
