MINISTER of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says plans have been concluded to address the menace of Okada and Keke (tricycle) operators in the nation’s capital.
Wike disclosed this during the August Edition of his monthly media chat on Tuesday in Abuja.
He noted that the Tricycle, popularly known as Keke Napep and Okada operators constitute a security threat in FCT, adding that their operations must be restructured to certain locations.
The minister, who described their operation as “nuisance”, stressed that they would never be allowed to operate within the Abuja city centre in line with existing laws.
He disclosed that he had directed security agencies to map out areas where they could be allowed to operate.
“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.
“I have told the security people to map out areas where we do not need the Keke Napep and the motorcycles, but it will be difficult to ban them in the entire Abuja,” he said.
The minister also said that beggars and the destitute have taken over the city, adding that efforts are ongoing to take them off Abuja streets.
He noted that the destitute returned to Abuja streets each time they cleared, saying “this administration can’t afford to provide shelter for them.
“We are working that out and just need approval to raise logistics.
“Some people say why not provide where they would be staying? How would we continue to do that?
“It means we are encouraging people to leave Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, and Kaduna to come here. How can you fund that?” he asked. (NAN)
