The Federal Capital Territory Administration has reaffirmed its resolve to dismantle criminal activities linked to illegal motor parks and unauthorised public transport operations across Abuja, insisting that commercial transport operators must relocate to designated terminals.
The Mandate Secretary of the FCT Transportation Secretariat, Chinedum Elechi, gave the assurance on Monday during the continuation of an enforcement exercise at the unauthorised motor park popularly known as Jabi Upstairs.
Represented by Mr. Usman Abdulmumin, Elechi said the operation, which began on July 1, was in line with the directive of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to eliminate criminal elements operating from illegal motor parks and other unauthorised transport locations within the capital city.
He said the exercise was aimed at compelling all commercial vehicles to operate from the Mabushi Bus and Taxi Terminal, which has been designated as the approved loading point for transport operators in the area.
According to him, vehicles impounded during the first day of the operation would be released only after their owners complete the required documentation and undertake not to return to illegal loading points.
“We will release the vehicles to their owners after they have completed the necessary documentation and given assurances that they will not return to the illegal parks,” he said.
Also speaking, the Secretary of the FCT Command and Control Centre, Peter Olumuji, warned that allowing illegal motor parks to thrive in the nation’s capital would erode law and order and create opportunities for criminal activities.
He said personnel from the FCT Security Services Department were participating in the enforcement operation to ensure strict compliance with the directive, noting that some commercial vehicle operators might ignore the ban in the absence of adequate security enforcement.
Olumuji maintained that the commencement of operations at the Mabushi Bus and Taxi Terminal, alongside the ongoing enforcement exercise, had brought greater order and coordination to public transportation within the Federal Capital Territory.
The Director of Transport Planning and Institutional Development at Planet Projects Limited, Mr. Demola Olawepo, said the terminal was equipped with adequate security and operational measures to safeguard commuters.
According to him, the establishment of the terminal has significantly reduced criminal activities previously associated with commercial transportation in Abuja while providing passengers with a safer and more organised travel environment.
One of the commuters, Mr. Hamzat Gumil, commended the FCT Administration for introducing the coordinated transport system.
“This is my first time using the terminal, and I am impressed. Everything I have seen so far is well organised and satisfactory,” he said.
