Abuja: Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced the implementation of strategic plans to regulate the operations of Okada and tricycle operators in Abuja. This decision was disclosed during the August Edition of his monthly media chat held on Tuesday in Abuja. The minister highlighted the security threats posed by these operators and emphasized the necessity of restructuring their operations to designated locations.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Wike described the activities of the Tricycle, commonly known as Keke Napep, and Okada operators as a ‘nuisance’, asserting that their operations will not be permitted within the city center of Abuja, in adherence to existing regulations. He has instructed security agencies to identify areas where their operations can be confined. Wike confirmed, ‘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.’ He further elaborated on the challenges of completely banning these operators across the entire city.
In addition to addressing the issues with Okada and tricycle operators, the minister expressed concerns about the increasing presence of beggars and destitute individuals in the city. Efforts are underway to remove them from the streets of Abuja. Wike acknowledged the recurring issue of destitute individuals returning to the streets after clearance and stressed the financial impracticalities of providing them with shelter. He questioned the sustainability of such measures, highlighting the potential influx of individuals from neighboring states like Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, and Kaduna if such provisions were made.