Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, announced a groundbreaking initiative aimed at transforming public transportation security in Nigeria’s capital.
Starting January 2025, all commercial bus drivers in Abuja will be profiled by the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) in a bid to reduce insecurity and ensure safer commuting.
The policy, revealed during the FCT Renewed Hope Youth Empowerment Programme in Abuja, is part of Wike’s broader vision for a safer, more organized city. The minister handed over new cars to beneficiaries to operate as taxis under government support.
“They are not paying a dime,” Wike stated, explaining that the initiative is meant to help families make a living and bring down transportation costs in Abuja.
“Abuja should compete with other cities in the world,” he emphasized, envisioning a world-class urban setting with heightened security.
Wike also addressed the beneficiaries, encouraging them not to shy away from jobs as taxi drivers.
“Many Nigerians who reject taxi driving jobs here gladly take them abroad,” he said, urging the new drivers to embrace the opportunity.
The profiling measure aims to combat rising concerns over kidnapping and “one-chance” robbery incidents, where passengers are lured into vehicles and robbed.
Effective January, commercial buses and taxis in Abuja will only be allowed to operate with an official security profile and an Abuja-approved color scheme.
Wike stressed that informal and unregistered operators would no longer be tolerated, adding that “every vehicle must be trackable,” ensuring passengers’ confidence in their safety.
By regulating public transport, the government hopes to create an environment where people feel safer on their daily commutes.
This policy represents a shift in Abuja’s security landscape, promoting accountability and transparency in the public transport sector.
While reactions are mixed, with some applauding the efforts for increased security and others concerned about implementation logistics, Wike’s plan is set to redefine Abuja’s public transportation network, positioning it closer to international standards in both service and security.