The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced an important initiative regarding commercial transportation in Abuja. He stated that all commercial buses operating in the city will be profiled by the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS). This comprehensive profiling process aims to enhance security and safety for commuters and will commence in January 2025.
Wike made this significant disclosure during the FCT Renewed Hope Youth Empowerment Programme held in Abuja on Thursday. During the event, he also handed over new cars to beneficiaries to use as taxis, providing an immediate boost to local employment opportunities and transportation services.
“They are not paying a dime. No; the government is saying this is our support to feed your family and reduce the cost of transportation in the city… Abuja should compete with other cities in the world,” said the minister, highlighting the government’s commitment to improving the standard of living for residents and making transportation more affordable. This initiative is part of a broader effort to empower young people and improve public transportation in the capital city.[/p>
He further encouraged the beneficiaries not to feel ashamed of their roles as taxi drivers, emphasizing that many Nigerians who may reject taxi driving jobs domestically often embrace such roles when they travel abroad. This perspective aims to change the narrative around taxi driving as a viable and respectable profession.[/p>
In a move to address security concerns, particularly to curtail incidents of kidnapping and ‘one-chance’ robbery, the minister announced that effective January 2025, any commercial bus not duly profiled by security agencies will not be permitted to operate within the nation’s capital. This measure is part of a broader strategy to enhance public safety and ensure that only vetted individuals are allowed to transport passengers.[/p>
“Most of the Keke Napep and most of the motorcycles are informants. Everybody here that is a beneficiary is being profiled by the security,” Wike explained, underlining the importance of community engagement and the role of local transport operators in maintaining safety. He emphasized that from January next year, no one will be allowed to operate as a taxi driver or a bus driver without proper security approval and without the distinctive Abuja color scheme for vehicles.[/p>
“Nothing like using any vehicle on the road. No, we won’t allow that. From January, we won’t allow that,” he asserted, reinforcing the commitment to strict regulations. Wike elaborated that the government will keep records of vehicle numbers, driver names, and other relevant information to ensure accountability and provide confidence to passengers. “This is the vehicle I’m entering in case anything happens,” he added, highlighting the government's effort to enhance passenger safety through proper identification and regulation of commercial vehicles operating in Abuja.