The Directorate of Road Transport Services (DRTS) under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has launched a targeted demolition operation.
Initiated at Area 3 and Banex Junction Taxi Ranks, the DRTS team, accompanied by security agencies, dismantled car wash facilities, mechanic workshops, cinema houses, and eateries within the ranks.
Mrs. Deborah Osho, Head of Operations at DRTS, led the effort, emphasizing the necessity to create space for legitimate taxis, aiming to eradicate illegal taxi parks across the city. Mrs. Osho stated, “We have equally handed over a space around Eagle Square for taxi operators to use temporarily, to stop the menace of illegal parks around the Federal Secretariat.
We are prepared to clean all taxi ranks in 2024 to ensure that motorists board taxis inside the taxi ranks and not outside. This, in the long run, will address the menace of ‘one chance’ in the city.”
The decision to clear taxi ranks of illicit structures follows consultations with transport stakeholders. Osho highlighted the importance of a cleaner and safer environment in the Federal Capital Territory, marking the crackdown as part of a broader initiative to combat criminal activities, particularly “one chance” operations exploiting illegal parks.
Dr. Peter Olumuji, Secretary of the Command and Control Centre, Department of Security Service, FCTA, emphasized the collaborative effort to enhance safety for commuters by establishing secured taxi ranks.
He stated, “After going around with DRTS officials, we noticed that most of the taxi ranks were occupied by people who were not meant to be there. But as we clear these illegal structures, more vehicles will be coming into the ranks so that commuters will be able to board safe and secured taxis to their various destinations. This is a joint effort that will continue.”
Dr. Olumuji acknowledged the joint operation and expressed optimism that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike would provide the necessary resources for ongoing cleanliness and orderliness initiatives.
Richard Siso, Deputy Chairman of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, FCT Chapter, and Oladipupo Ebijuni, Chairman and Director of Enforcement at Painted Abuja Taxi, lauded the government’s intervention, affirming their full support for the initiative.
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