The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that tricycles, popularly known as Keke Napep, and motorcycles (Okada) will no longer be allowed to operate within Abuja’s city centre.

Speaking during his monthly media chat in Abuja on Tuesday, Wike explained that the decision followed a security council meeting, which concluded that the vehicles pose both a nuisance and 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 noted that while it would be difficult to ban them across the entire FCT, security agencies have been directed to map out areas where their operations will be restricted.

The minister also addressed the issue of destitute persons and beggars in the capital city, insisting that his administration cannot provide shelters for them.

“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?” Wike asked.

He stressed that the measures are aimed at maintaining order, improving security, and ensuring Abuja remains a safe and functional capital city.

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