FCT Minister Nyesom Wike during his monthly media chat on Tuesday in Abuja, said the decision followed recommendations by the FCT Executive Security Council.
Wike said security reports had linked the use of motorcycles to criminal activities, making restrictions necessary in areas considered vulnerable to crime.
'Just this morning, I signed the approval because we had an Executive Security Council meeting where we agreed that they don’t just cause a nuisance, but that, from a security standpoint, they have become a threat.
'From our security report, bandits don’t operate without using motorcycles. So it’s a problem'.
The minister said security agencies had been directed to identify areas where motorcycles and tricycles would no longer be allowed to operate, particularly within the city centre.
'I have told the security council to map out areas where we do not need Keke Napep and motorcycles. But it would be difficult to ban them across the entire FCT', he said.
Wike added that logistics would be provided to support enforcement once the affected areas had been identified.
While the government’s justification is centred on security, residents and public affairs analysts argue that the economic implications of the policy must also be taken into account.
A Kubwa resident, Bolu Ajibode, said Okada riders often occupy sections of service lanes during peak periods, making vehicular movement difficult.
'If I’m going home to Kubwa, the Okada riders usually crowd the service lane, making vehicular movement difficult', she said.
Another resident, Samson Segun, said although he uses commercial motorcycles, he avoids being dropped directly in front of his residence because of security concerns.
'I do use motorcycles, but I don’t allow them to drop me in front of my house because of security reasons', he said.
Other residents argued that Okada and Keke Napep remain indispensable, particularly in communities with poor road networks.
A resident simply identified as Saheed said the operators have both advantages and disadvantages but remain essential for movement within many communities.
'They have their pros and cons because they are important for movement within our communities, especially where the terrain is bad', he said.
Kabir Hassan, who supports the restriction, noted that motorcycles had already been prohibited in some areas following previous security incidents.
'Motorcycles have already been banned in some places. Keke is still being used, but because of the menace, I support the restriction', he said.
For public affairs analyst Kelvin Agabe, however, the policy could place an additional burden on low-income residents if affordable alternatives are not provided.
Agabe said communities such as Gusape and Asokoro Village rely heavily on tricycles and motorcycles because they offer cheaper transportation options.
'These policies are not always well thought out. Policymakers need to consider the realities of people living in these communities, many of whom are low-income earners', he said.
According to him, alternative means of transportation, such as taxis, are often more expensive, making tricycles the more affordable option for many residents.
'Tricycles are affordable for people who cannot afford higher transport fares. If you remove the cheaper means of transportation without providing alternatives, you are placing more pressure on people and could push some deeper into poverty', he said.
Agabe warned that residents of areas such as Gusape and Asokoro Village could be forced to walk long distances if they cannot afford alternative means of transportation.
The debate leaves the FCT Administration grappling with two competing priorities: addressing security threats while ensuring affordable mobility for residents.
While the government insists that restricting Okada and Keke Napep operations in vulnerable areas is necessary to protect lives and property, residents and analysts are questioning whether affordable, reliable and safe alternatives will be made available to those who depend on the services.
Ultimately, the success of the policy may depend not only on how effectively the restrictions are enforced but also on whether the FCT Administration can provide safer, reliable and affordable transport alternatives for residents who depend on informal public transportation.
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