Abuja: The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has issued a stern warning to commercial transport operators in Abuja, urging them to relocate from illegal parks and roadside locations to designated bus terminals or face shutdown.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mr. Chinedum Elechi, the Mandate Secretary of the FCTA Transportation Secretariat, conveyed this directive during a press conference in Abuja. He emphasized that any unauthorised loading points will be closed, and vehicles that do not comply will be impounded without prior notice.
Elechi reminded transport operators of a previous directive to fully operationalise ultra-modern bus terminals, starting with the facility in Mabushi. This initiative is part of a direct mandate from FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, aimed at instilling order, decency, and security in the nation’s capital.
He explained that Abuja, as Nigeria’s capital, should mirror the standards of other global capitals like London and Paris, with a functional public transportation system at its core. The FCTA has invested billions of Naira in constructing ultra-modern terminals in Mabushi, Kugbo, and the Central Business District (CBD). This marks a significant milestone in the FCT’s history, as state-of-the-art transit hubs are being developed for the first time.
Beyond enhancing the city’s aesthetic appeal and boosting tourism, Elechi emphasized the importance of centralising transit operations at official terminals to curb criminal activities. He noted that these terminals would address illegal transit operations, commonly known as ‘one chance’ robberies, and tackle drug and arms trafficking.
Elechi also revealed that recent trial enforcement operations justified the administration’s firm stance. During a trial enforcement two weeks prior, vehicles were impounded after quit notices were issued, uncovering illegal products during the ad-hoc seizures. He stated that proper profiling of operators at official terminals would significantly reduce insecurity in the city.
To ensure efficient management of the bus terminals, the FCTA has partnered with private operators, including Planet Projects, under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework. Elechi dispelled rumors that the government intends to deprive transporters of their livelihoods, clarifying that operators are being relocated from hazardous roadside setups to fully equipped, secure facilities.
Despite previous impoundments of over 100 vehicles, Elechi expressed frustration over past non-compliance, as many operators returned to illegal loading spots. He warned that the secretariat, backed by Order 1 from President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration and the Transportation Regulations of 2023, holds full legal authority to license operators, seal unauthorised private premises used as makeshift parks, and confiscate non-compliant vehicles.
With the backing of the FCT Minister and the Presidency, Elechi affirmed a zero-tolerance policy against illegal transport operations to restore order and safety to Abuja.