Wike announces that unprofiled vehicles will be prohibited in the FCT starting 2025, aiming to bolster security measures. Explore details on the policy and enforcement plans.
Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), announced that starting January 2025, unprofiled vehicles will not be tolerated by the FCT Administration in the nation’s capital.
He mentioned that the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) would profile all commercial buses in the nation’s capital.
Wike expressed this during the FCT Renewed Hope Youth Empowerment Programme held in Abuja on Thursday, where he distributed new cars to recipients for use as taxis.
“They won’t be paying anything at all. According to the government, this is our way of supporting families by helping with food expenses and reducing transportation costs within the city. Abuja should aim to compete with other cities globally,” stated the minister.
He urged the beneficiaries not to feel embarrassed about being empowered as taxi drivers, pointing out that many Nigerians who turn down such jobs at home are eager to take them up when they go abroad.
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To address incidents of kidnapping and ‘one-chance’ robberies, the minister announced that starting in January 2025, any commercial bus not properly registered by security agencies will be prohibited from operating within the nation’s capital.
Most of the Keke Napep drivers and motorcycle riders act as informants. Everyone who receives benefits here is being monitored by security personnel.
Starting in January next year, anyone who wants to work as a taxi or bus driver must have security approval and be profiled by the authorities. Additionally, all drivers will need to display the Abuja colors on their vehicles.
“There’s no equating using any vehicle on the road. We simply cannot permit it. Starting in January, this won’t be allowed.”
He added, “We will record the vehicle number, drivers’ names, and other details to ensure everyone feels confident about the vehicle they’re entering in case anything happens.”
