- Minister Wike promoted taxi driving as a viable job option for Nigerians
- 80 new taxis handed over to beneficiaries at the Renewed Hope Youth Empowerment Programme in Garki, Abuja
- TheRadar compiled public reactions below
Public responses have emerged following statements made by Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), regarding the perception of taxi driving jobs among Nigerians.
Speaking at the FCT Renewed Hope Youth Empowerment Programme in Garki, Abuja, on Thursday, October 31, Wike suggested that many Nigerians who refuse taxi jobs domestically are willing to accept similar roles abroad.
FCT minister Wike promotes driving jobs
During the event, Wike presented 80 new vehicles to beneficiaries, intended for use as taxis.
“They are not paying a dime. No; the government is saying this is our support to feed your family and reduce the cost of transportation in the city… Abuja should compete with other cities in the world,” the minister stated.
He emphasised the importance of not feeling embarrassed about engaging in taxi driving, highlighting a common trend where Nigerians embrace such employment opportunities overseas.
Additionally, Wike announced plans for the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) to profile all commercial buses in Abuja starting in January 2025, aiming to combat issues such as kidnapping and ‘one-chance’ robbery.
Upcoming security measures for commercial Abuja drivers
“He further said, “Most of the Keke Napep and most of the motorcycles are informants. Everybody here that is a beneficiary is being profiled by the security.
“And so what we are coming up with is that from January next year, there will be nobody that will operate as a taxi driver or a bus driver without having approval from security, with security profiling you and without going about with Abuja colour.
“Nothing like using any vehicle on the road. No, we won’t allow that. From January, we won’t allow that.
“We will take the vehicle number, name of the drivers and the rest so everybody will have confidence that this is the vehicle I’m entering in case anything happens,” Wike stated.
Nigerians react to Wike’s statement
TheRadar has gathered public reactions to the Minister's statement below:
“Sebi is one of the taxi driver one a lawmaker wanna make disappear the other day over what's not, this is one of the challenges a taxi driver faces here in Nigeria, no dignity in labour, let's not talk about the bad roads that leads to excess expenses on maintenance and extortion from uniform men,” Edo Wizard stated.
“Please tell Wike that people like him who cannot even hold a taxi job abroad become politicians and public looters in Nigeria. Otherwise, where else can a Wike get a meaningful employment in the world?” Evaristus Odinikaeze reacted.
“Can a cab driver in Nigeria earn enough to sustain their family and make enough to replace their can within 6 months to a year? I can't believe a whole minister is making such myopic comparison. Are these guys learned at all?” Fillipo Saga added.
“Because abroad there is dignity in Labour,” Paul of Truth stated.
“Even a Chief who relocates from his village to Lagos may take a job without so much “glory”. What is Key is Dignity in and of Labour. A Taxi driver can make a Minister like Wike resign in UK if Wike assaults him but will never happen in Nigeria,” CIA added.
“So what is he saying in conclusion, you people don't make it easy for people here, from agbro to police and road safety extortion, cost of fueling and maintenance. How do you expect them to function perfectly,” Charley stated?
“He should send his son to ride bike on the street of Lagos Madd man,” Soma reacted.
SERAP threatens to sue Wike over plan to arrest beggars in Abuja
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Wike's comments during a recent event have sparked criticism and calls for protecting the rights of marginalised individuals.
Socio-Economic Rights Accountability Project (SERAP) emphasises that socio-economic conditions should not lead to criminalisation.