Abuja – The Directorate of Road Transport Services (DRTS) under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has embarked on a significant initiative to demolish illegal structures, including shops and eateries, within taxi ranks across Abuja. The move, announced by the Director of DRTS, Abdulateef Bello, follows a meeting with transport stakeholders where plans for a unified mass transportation system in the FCT were discussed.
The demolition commenced on Friday, starting with the Area 3 and Banex Junction Taxi Ranks in Abuja. At the Area 3 Taxi Rank, the DRTS team, supported by security agencies, removed structures such as a car wash, mechanic workshops, a cinema house, and eateries operating within the ranks. Similarly, at the Banex Junction Taxi Rank, the team addressed issues of miscreants taking over the space for illegal activities, including the sale of hard drugs and adulterated fuel.
Mrs Deborah Osho, the Head of Operations at DRTS, led the team and explained that the measure aims to create more space for taxis to operate within the ranks. The goal is to discourage illegal taxi parks across the city and address the menace of “one chance” operators who exploit illegal parks for criminal activities.
Osho highlighted that the DRTS had invited all stakeholders in the transportation sector for a meeting earlier in the week, and one of the resolutions was to clear taxi ranks for proper operation. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that motorists board taxis inside the ranks and not outside, ultimately addressing the issue of “one chance” crimes in the city.
Dr Peter Olumuji, FCTA Secretary, Command and Control Centre in the Department of Security, expressed that the initiative would help combat “one-chance” crimes by providing secure taxi ranks for commuters. He noted that clearing illegal structures from taxi ranks would allow taxi owners to use the space efficiently.
Mr Richard Siso, Deputy Chairman of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, FCT Chapter, welcomed the development, describing it as the best for transport operators. He expressed gratitude to the government for addressing their concerns and clearing the parks for legitimate use.
The joint effort between the DRTS, security agencies, and transport stakeholders aims to create a safer and more organized transportation system within Abuja, benefitting both commuters and operators.