The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Nigeria, Barr Nyesom Wike, has revealed that the Administration will take a firm stance on commercial motorcycle operators once alternative transportation options, such as buses, are provided.
During a press conference in Abuja, the minister acknowledged the ban on commercial motorcycles from operating within the city centre. However, he explained that no decisive action has been taken against violators yet, as the FCTA has yet to furnish the city with alternative means of transportation.
“We did not take a firm decision because we have not been able to provide the buses that will be the alternative for the people.
“It is the government’s responsibility to provide an alternative and then ask the motorcycle operators to vacate the city centre.
“We don’t want to ask them to leave without ensuring that people have other means of transportation, otherwise they will suffer,” he said.
Regarding the issue of open grazing in Abuja, the minister stated that consultations with the herdsmen will be held before any action is taken.
While cows will be allowed to graze in the suburbs, they will be prohibited from entering the city centre.
“Before making any decisions, we will engage in proper consultation to avoid any claims of lack of communication or interaction before taking action,”
“We will invite the cattle breeders to discuss the matter with them. We will not ban cattle in Abuja, but they will not be permitted in the city centre,”
“We will approach this matter one step at a time,”
“You know Nigerians are accustomed to thinking that “nothing will happen”. Just like when we talk about land revocation and payment of ground rent, and people claim it will not happen, but it does.
“Even you as journalists, when disseminating information, must avoid creating conflicts between the government and the public,” Wike emphasised.
