Wike confirms plans to restrict unprofiled vehicles in the Federal Capital Territory from 2025, emphasizing safety and security concerns.
Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), announced that starting January 2025, the FCT Administration will no longer tolerate vehicles without proper profiling in the nation’s capital.
He stated that the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) would profile all commercial buses in the nation’s capital.
Wike delivered this statement at the FCT Renewed Hope Youth Empowerment Program in Abuja on Thursday, where he presented new cars to beneficiaries for use as taxis.
“They won’t spend anything. The government states that this is our way of helping to feed your family and lower transportation costs in the city. Abuja should be on par with other global cities,” the minister remarked.
He encouraged the beneficiaries not to feel ashamed about being empowered as taxi drivers, pointing out that many Nigerians who turn down driving jobs at home are quite willing to take on such roles when they go abroad.
To address the issues of kidnapping and ‘one-chance’ robberies, the minister announced that starting from January 2025, any commercial bus not properly registered with security agencies will be prohibited from operating within the nation’s capital.
Most of the Keke Napep drivers and motorcycle riders are informants. Everyone benefiting here is being monitored by security forces for profiling purposes.
Starting in January next year, anyone wishing to work as a taxi or bus driver must receive security approval and undergo security profiling. Additionally, all drivers will be required to display the Abuja color scheme.
“We absolutely won’t permit just any vehicle on the road. Starting in January, this will be strictly enforced.”
“We’ll record the vehicle number, drivers’ names, and other details to ensure everyone feels confident about identifying the vehicle they are boarding in case of any incidents,” he added.
Peoplesmind
