The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has approved fresh restrictions on the operation of commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada, and tricycles (Keke Napep) in parts of Abuja, with Minister Nyesom Wike saying the decision is aimed at tackling growing security concerns.
Speaking during a media parley at his official residence in Life Camp, Abuja, Wike disclosed that the approval followed deliberations by the FCT Security Council, which concluded that the widespread use of the vehicles had become both a public nuisance and a security risk.
“Just this morning, I signed the approval. We agreed it’s not just causing nuisance but a security threat. I’ve told the security agencies to map out areas where we do not need Keke Napep and motorcycles, particularly within the city. But it will be difficult to ban them in the entire FCT,” the minister said.
According to Wike, security agencies have been directed to identify districts within the Abuja city centre where the restriction will take effect. He added that the government would continue operations to dismantle illegal settlements and criminal hideouts, including those in the Karmajiji area of Kukwaba District, while urging residents to cooperate as enforcement expands.
The minister also announced that the FCTA had constituted a committee to address the growing trend of illegal car racing in residential neighbourhoods, warning that the administration would not tolerate activities capable of endangering lives and property.
Providing updates on ongoing development projects, Wike said infrastructure at the permanent relocation site for Apo Mechanic Traders in Wasa District had been completed. He explained that discussions were ongoing with traders’ associations to finalise a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that would safeguard government ownership of the land before Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) are issued. He expressed optimism that the process would be concluded before the end of 2026.
The minister further urged residents and property owners who acquired land through Area Councils to regularise their land titles, citing a Supreme Court judgment affirming that all land administration within the FCT falls under the authority of the FCTA. He revealed that between 5,000 and 6,000 land titles had already been regularised under the initiative, while a similar arrangement had enabled homeowners at River Park Estate to obtain their Certificates of Occupancy after years of disputes.
On infrastructure, Wike highlighted the recent commissioning of the Abuja City Gate and rural water expansion projects. He also unveiled plans to partner with private investors to redevelop the Life Camp Recreation Centre and Jabi Lake Recreational Park, both of which have remained underutilised for years. He warned that any developer who fails to meet agreed project timelines under a new MoU would forfeit the land back to the government.
Reaffirming the administration’s commitment to completing projects on schedule, Wike said all new contracts would continue to receive financial backing before they are awarded to prevent abandoned projects. He, however, noted that major national projects such as the Millennium Tower would require direct federal funding, while encouraging residents to remain tax compliant to support Abuja’s ongoing infrastructure development.
