“Embrace This Empowerment as Taxi Drivers; Many Who Reject It Here Do It Abroad,” Wike Tells Abuja Residents

In a bid to address public safety and empower local youth, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike encouraged Abuja residents to embrace government-backed taxi-driving opportunities. Speaking at the FCT Renewed Hope Youth Empowerment Programme in Abuja on Thursday, Wike emphasized that many Nigerians who may initially overlook such jobs at home readily take them up when they move abroad.

The program, which saw the distribution of new vehicles to beneficiaries for use as taxis, is part of the government’s commitment to support families and reduce transportation costs in the nation’s capital. “They are not paying a dime,” Wike said, referring to the cost-free nature of the empowerment initiative. “The government is saying this is our support to feed your family and reduce the cost of transportation in the city.”

He urged beneficiaries to be proud of their roles, highlighting that in many other countries, driving taxis or working in public transport is often seen as respectable work. According to the minister, there is a pressing need for Nigerians to adopt a similar mindset at home and take advantage of the job opportunities available to them.

In addition to job creation, the minister stressed that starting January 2025, all commercial vehicles operating in Abuja must undergo profiling by the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS). This measure aims to strengthen public safety and curtail incidents of kidnapping and “one-chance” robberies—a form of robbery in which unsuspecting passengers are lured into criminal vehicles.

“From January, we won’t allow any commercial vehicles to operate without security profiling or proper registration with Abuja colors,” Wike warned. “This move ensures that every taxi or bus driver is vetted by security agencies, so passengers have confidence in the vehicles they board.”

The FCT administration plans to take down each commercial vehicle’s registration number and driver details, creating a more secure transportation network. Unlicensed tricycles (Keke Napep) and motorcycles, which have been linked to criminal activities in the area, will also face restrictions.

Wike’s announcement has generated mixed reactions among residents, but the minister maintains that the policy aims to create a safer and more reliable transportation system in Abuja, while also providing employment for its youth.