The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has articulated that taxi driving represents a commendable avenue for earning a livelihood and should be embraced by individuals seeking a respectable source of income.
This declaration was made during the FCT Renewed Hope Youth Empowerment Programme held in Garki, Abuja, where he presented 80 brand new vehicles to beneficiaries intended for utilization as taxis.
Wike emphasized that these beneficiaries would incur no costs for the vehicles, stating, “The government is providing this support to assist you in providing for your families and to alleviate transportation expenses within the city… Abuja should stand shoulder to shoulder with other global cities.”
The Minister encouraged the recipients to take pride in their roles as taxi drivers, noting that many Nigerians who may dismiss such occupations domestically often embrace them enthusiastically when overseas. He remarked, “What is often portrayed on social media suggests a stigma associated with taxi driving. However, we observe our compatriots abroad thriving as taxi drivers.”
Wike further illustrated the dichotomy by referencing familial dynamics, saying, “Many Nigerians at home boast about their relatives in cities like London, Houston, or Paris, who remit funds home while earning a living as taxi drivers, supporting their families and fulfilling their tax obligations.”
In addressing the challenges of security, particularly concerning kidnappings and ‘one-chance’ robbery incidents, the Minister announced that, effective January 2025, any commercial bus lacking proper security profiling will be prohibited from operating within the capital.
He stated, “Many of the Keke Napep and motorcycles serve as informants. Each beneficiary here has undergone a security profiling process. Therefore, starting January next year, no individual will be permitted to operate as a taxi driver or a bus driver without proper security approval and without adhering to Abuja’s color scheme for vehicles.”
Wike emphasized, “There will be stringent measures to manage operational protocols. From January, only verified vehicles and drivers will be allowed to operate, ensuring public confidence and safety should any incidents arise.”
