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The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has stepped up its war against illegal motor parks, impounding 40 commercial vehicles operating outside the newly inaugurated Mabushi Bus and Taxi Terminal in Abuja.
The enforcement, which began on Wednesday, is aimed at forcing commercial transport operators to relocate from roadside parks in Utako and Banex to the government-approved terminal.
Speaking after Friday’s operation, Secretary of the Command and Control Centre, FCTA Security Services Department, Dr. Peter Olumuji, said the affected vehicles violated the directive issued by the FCT Transport Secretariat.
He warned that owners of the impounded vehicles would face prosecution and other sanctions in line with existing traffic regulations.
Olumuji also disclosed that some persons were arrested by the police for attempting to obstruct officials during the enforcement exercise.
According to him, the crackdown is designed to improve security and ensure that commuters board only registered commercial vehicles from approved locations.
“When you board a vehicle at the terminal, you know the vehicle and the driver are registered. That is a major security advantage,” he said.
He added that the enforcement would continue until all commercial operators comply with the directive.
The FCT Transport Secretariat had, on June 21, announced the commencement of operations at the Mabushi Bus and Taxi Terminal and directed all operators at the Utako and Banex roadside parks to relocate on or before June 24.
An official of the secretariat, Mr. Usman Abdulmuminu, said operators were adequately notified through official notices and media campaigns before enforcement commenced.
He noted that many transporters had already complied with the directive, while the ongoing exercise was also creating awareness among commuters about the new terminal.
Also speaking, Mr. Demola Olawepo, Transport Planning Director of Planet Projects, operators of the terminal, said the facility could accommodate about 250 commercial vehicles under a modern flow-through system.
He urged transport operators to take advantage of the secure and organised environment provided by the terminal.
On his part, the General Manager, Operations, Mr. Kolawale Babatunde, disclosed that since operations began on July 1, the terminal had processed over 800 passengers and 130 vehicles.
He described the facility as a world-class transport hub with airport-like services, adding that every operator using the terminal is registered and easily traceable.
Some users of the terminal also applauded the initiative.
A commercial driver, Mr. Abdulsalami Dada, described the facility as a welcome development, saying it offers a better working environment than roadside operations.
Passengers Ms. Chioma Okoro and Mr. Adamu Emmanuel equally praised the smooth ticketing process, professionalism of staff and improved security at the terminal, urging more residents to embrace the new transport system.
