The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has announced a new security initiative mandating that all commercial buses in Abuja undergo profiling by the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS). The measure, set to take effect in January 2025, aims to enhance passenger safety and reduce criminal activity, including kidnappings and “one-chance” robberies.
Wike revealed the initiative on Thursday at the FCT Renewed Hope Youth Empowerment Programme in Garki, Abuja, where he also distributed 80 new cars for beneficiaries to operate as taxis. The initiative, according to Wike, is part of a broader effort to improve transportation standards and reduce costs for residents of the nation’s capital.
“These new taxis are provided to beneficiaries at no charge, with the government’s aim to help families sustain themselves and make transportation more affordable,” Wike said. He encouraged the new taxi drivers to embrace their roles, pointing out that many Nigerians readily accept similar jobs abroad.
The minister outlined specific regulations that will be enforced starting January, including strict approval and profiling of all commercial drivers and mandatory use of Abuja’s official color scheme for taxis and buses. Wike also noted that profiling would apply to tricycles and motorcycles, which he said are often used by criminal informants.
“By January next year, no one will be allowed to operate as a taxi or bus driver in Abuja without prior security approval, proper profiling, and use of the designated Abuja colors,” Wike emphasized. “We’ll record vehicle numbers and driver details, ensuring passengers feel safer knowing that each vehicle is registered and monitored.”
This new initiative is part of the government’s wider goal to position Abuja as a model city, with the minister stating that the changes are aimed at creating a safer and more orderly transportation system.