FCTA Restricts Okada, Keke Operations in Parts of Abuja Over Security Concerns
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has approved restrictions on the operation of commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada, and tricycles, also known as Keke Napep, in parts of Abuja over growing security concerns.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike announced the decision during a media briefing at his official residence in Life Camp on Tuesday.
According to him, the FCT Security Council approved the measure after concluding that the vehicles had become not only a public nuisance but also a security risk.
“Just this morning, I signed the approval. We agreed it’s not just causing nuisance but a security threat. I’ve directed security agencies to identify areas within the city where motorcycles and tricycles will no longer operate. However, banning them across the entire FCT would be difficult,” Wike said.
He explained that security agencies have been asked to map out the districts where the restrictions will apply, particularly within the city centre. He added that efforts to remove illegal settlements, including those in Karmajiji, Kukwaba District, would also continue and appealed to residents for patience as enforcement expands.
The minister also addressed the issue of illegal car racing in residential areas, saying a committee had been established to tackle the problem and ensure the safety of residents.
On the relocation of traders from the Apo Mechanic Village, Wike said basic infrastructure at the new site in Wasa District had been completed. He disclosed that the FCTA was finalising a Memorandum of Understanding with traders’ associations to ensure government oversight of the land before Certificates of Occupancy are issued.
He expressed confidence that the relocation process would be concluded before the end of 2026.
Wike also urged residents in satellite towns who acquired land through Area Councils to regularise their land documents, citing a Supreme Court ruling that places all land administration in the FCT under the authority of the FCTA.
He revealed that the administration had already processed between 5,000 and 6,000 land title regularisations. He added that a similar approach had helped property owners at River Park Estate obtain Certificates of Occupancy after resolving long-standing land disputes.
Highlighting ongoing development efforts, Wike pointed to the recently commissioned Abuja City Gate and rural water supply projects as major achievements of the administration.
He also disclosed plans to partner with private investors to redevelop the Life Camp Recreation Centre and Jabi Lake Recreational Park, both of which have remained abandoned for years.
According to him, new agreements with developers will include strict timelines, and any developer who fails to meet the agreed deadlines will lose the land to the government.
The minister further reiterated that the FCTA would only award contracts backed by available funds to avoid abandoned projects. However, he noted that large national projects, including the Millennium Tower, would still require direct funding from the Federal Government.
Wike also encouraged residents to continue paying their taxes, saying internally generated revenue remains essential for sustaining infrastructure development across the Federal Capital Territory.
