The Transportation Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has intensified its clampdown on commercial vehicles operating in ad-hoc motor parks in Utako and Banex areas of the FCT.
Mandate Secretary of the Secretariat, Mr. Chinedum Elechi, said during an enforcement operation in Abuja on Monday that all commercial vehicles must move to the designated Mabushi Bus and Taxi Terminal.
Elechi, represented by Mr. Usman Abdulmumin, an engineer in the Secretariat, said the move would strengthen the fight against criminal activities associated with illegal public transport operations across Abuja.
He explained that the operation was in line with the directive of the FCT Minister, Mr. Nyesom Wike, to rid the territory of criminal elements operating illegal motor parks and other unauthorised transport locations.
He said the ongoing enforcement, which commenced on July 1, was aimed at ensuring that all commercial vehicles operate from the Mabushi Bus and Taxi Terminal.
The Mandate Secretary added that more than 40 vehicles had so far been impounded during the operation. They would be released to their owners after completing necessary documentation and signing an undertaking not to return to illegal loading points.
Similarly, the Secretary of the Command and Control Centre, FCTA Security Services Department, Dr. Peter Olumuji, said his department was part of the enforcement to ensure full compliance with the directive.
Olumuji noted that public transportation in the FCT was becoming more organised with the commencement of operations at the Mabushi Bus and Taxi Terminal.
In the same vein, Mr. Demola Olawepo, Director of Transport Planning and Institutional Development at Planet Projects Ltd, the operator of the terminal, said the facility was well equipped to guarantee the comfort and safety of passengers.
According to him, the introduction of the terminal has significantly reduced criminal activities previously associated with commercial transportation in Abuja.
It will be recalled that the FCT Transportation Secretariat on June 21 announced the commencement of operations at the Mabushi Bus and Taxi Terminal.
Consequently, the Secretariat directed all ad-hoc motor parks in Utako and Banex areas to relocate to the terminal on or before June 24.
