Okada, Keke Remain Banned In Abuja – Perm Sec

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Permanent Secretary, Dr. Babatope Ajakaiye has said that commercial motorcycles also known as Okada and tricycles, popularly called Keke NAPEP remain banned from operating within the 250 square kilometers of the Federal Capital City (FCC).

The Permanent Secretary stated this while meeting with the executive officers of the sector unions of the Okada and Keke-NAPEP Owners and Riders in Abuja.

Ajakaiye said that tricycles and motorcycles, would only operate outside the city centre and designated areas like estates and area councils respectively.

He said that the Abuja master plan did not make provision for Okada and Keke to ply Abuja city centre, adding that the FCT administration would ensure this law is not flouted.

“Okada remains banned throughout the Abuja city centre and Keke will also not operate within the city centre too, except in designated areas like estates,” he said.

He explained that majority of the roads in the Abuja city are express roads, because the Abuja Master Plan, as well as the Abuja Transportation Master Plan never envisaged the use of commercial motorcycles and Keke Napep.

According to him, commercial motorcycles are injurious to the riders, as well as the passengers and the government has a duty to protect the lives and property of all her Citizens.

The stakeholders at the meeting resolved that no Okada and Keke must operate in the City Centre and that they immediately form associations to be registered with the FCT Directorate of Road Traffic Services (VIO).

“It is the policy of President Buhari’s administration to involve stakeholders and carry them along, because government considers every Nigerian very important. We do not want you to just hear on the radio

or television that this is what Okada people should do and what not to do. Before we start announcements, we want to talk to you because you are human beings,” the Permanent Secretary reiterated.