In a bold new directive to tighten security in Nigeria’s capital, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has announced that all unprofiled vehicles will be banned from Abuja starting January 2025. This regulation aims to combat the rising cases of kidnapping and “one-chance” robberies by ensuring that all commercial vehicles are properly vetted by security agencies.
Speaking at the FCT Renewed Hope Youth Empowerment Programme in Abuja on Thursday, Wike underscored the necessity of profiling every commercial vehicle within the capital city. Both the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) will conduct these security checks, providing identification and monitoring to all commercial bus and taxi drivers. As part of the initiative, Wike also handed over new vehicles to select beneficiaries to be used as taxis, further encouraging regulated transportation options in Abuja.
“These beneficiaries aren’t paying anything for these cars. This is government support to help them sustain their families and reduce transportation costs in the city. Abuja should stand as a world-class city,” Wike noted, urging the recipients to embrace their new roles. He emphasized that while many Nigerians view taxi driving locally as undesirable, they readily accept similar roles abroad for livelihood.
To ensure public safety, all commercial vehicles operating in Abuja must comply with the new profiling standards and display the designated Abuja colors on their vehicles. Wike stressed that effective from January 2025, vehicles without this security clearance will be banned from service, ensuring peace of mind for residents and visitors alike.
Wike clarified, “Most of the Keke Napep and motorcycles you see are used by informants. From next year, every taxi and bus driver must be security-approved. There will be no unauthorized vehicles on the road; we’re establishing a system that makes every driver traceable. If anything happens, authorities can immediately identify the vehicle and its driver.”
The Minister’s decision to require profiling comes amidst growing concerns over safety in the FCT, particularly with cases of random abductions and roadside robberies involving commercial vehicles. The new policy is expected to create a safer environment by curbing criminal activities often linked to unregulated commercial transportation.
