By Daniel Tyokua
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Transportation Secretariat has insisted on its fight against criminal activities associated with illegal public transport operations across Abuja.
The Mandate Secretary of the FCTA Transportation Secretariat, Mr. Chinedum Elechi, stated this on Monday during the continuation of its enforcement operation at the unauthorised motor park popularly known as Jabi Upstairs.
Represented by Mr. Usman Abdulmumin, Elechi said the operation is in line with the directive of the FCT Minister, 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, is aimed at ensuring that all commercial vehicles operate from the Mabushi Bus and Taxi Terminal.
On the vehicles impounded during the first day of the exercise, Elechi said they would be released to their owners after completing the necessary documentation and undertaking 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.
In addition, , Secretary of the FCTA Command and Control Centre, Dr. Peter Olumuji, said allowing illegal motor parks to flourish in Abuja, the nation’s capital, would undermine law and order.
He noted that personnel of the FCT Security Services Department are participating in the enforcement to ensure full compliance with the ban, stressing that many commercial vehicle operators would disregard the directive without adequate security presence.
Olumuji added that since the commencement of operations at the Mabushi Bus and Taxi Terminal and the enforcement exercise, public transportation in the FCT has become more organised and orderly.
The Director of Transport Planning and Institutional Development at Planet Projects Limited, Mr. Demola Olawepo, said the terminal has adequate security and operational measures in place to guarantee the safety of passengers.
According to him, the introduction of the terminal has significantly reduced criminal activities previously associated with commercial transportation in Abuja.
One of the passengers, 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.
