By Philip Yatai
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike has declared an aggressive crackdown on commercial vehicles operating outside designated Bus and Taxi Terminals.
Wike, who made the remarks after he inspected some ongoing projects in Abuja on Saturday, warned that the FCT Administration would impound and auction off defaulting vehicles.
He said that the Mabushi and Central Business District Bus and Taxi Terminals were fully operational, expressing deep frustration over habitual traffic violations and illegal roadside loading across the nation’s capital.
Wike argued that soft enforcement approaches had proven ineffective, asserting that strict measures were now required to compel adherence to city regulations.
“We don’t think that we should enforce, or people should obey rules, until you use force.
“The bus and taxi terminals are accredited places for people to load. They will not agree, but I can tell you, they must agree.
“We will impound their vehicle, we will sanction it and we’ll auction it,” he said.
Addressing the chaotic nature of traffic management in the territory, the minister insisted that “matching the lawlessness of persistent offenders is the only way to restore discipline.
“You can’t be sane in an insane environment. For you to be able to let those who are insane to do what they’re supposed to do, you, too, must source for an element of insanity.
“For that purpose, we’ll use a small level of madness in us, and then they will understand that they must obey the rules,” he said.
He explained that the newly completed Mabushi and Central Business District Bus Terminal were designed to centralise public transportation, reduce roadside congestion, and enhance security across Abuja.
He, however, said many commercial drivers continued to ignore accredited transit hubs in favour of unauthorised pick-up points.
The Minister assured residents that the enforcement drive would begin immediately, warning illegal operators that the administration would not back down.
“Don’t worry, they have no choice. They will obey. We will carry them, and we will impound their vehicles. Watch what will happen,” he said. (NAN)
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