Starting January 2024, drivers in Abuja will need official authorization to operate commercially, as directed by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike. This regulation applies to all types of commercial transportation, including ride-hailing services like Bolt and NAIRAXI, which recently received operational licenses for Abuja. This new rule is part of a broader strategy to combat insecurity, including issues like “one-chance” robberies, by ensuring vehicles and drivers are registered and profiled.

This profiling will involve the collection of drivers’ personal details and vehicle registration numbers, which will be accessible to the police and the Department of State Services (DSS) for enhanced public safety. Unlicensed commercial operators risk being banned if they don’t comply by the end of 2024.