The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has warned commercial transport operators in Abuja to relocate to designated bus terminals or face enforcement action, including vehicle impoundment and shutdown of illegal parks.
The Mandate Secretary of the FCTA Transportation Secretariat, Chinedum Elechi, issued the directive on Thursday in Abuja, stating that all unauthorized roadside loading points would be closed.
Elechi said the move is part of efforts by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to restore order, improve security, and modernize the capital’s transport system. He noted that operators had earlier been directed to move operations to newly built terminals, including facilities in Mabushi, Kugbo, and the Central Business District.
According to him, the policy is also aimed at tackling crime linked to informal transport operations, such as “one chance” robberies, as well as drug and arms trafficking.
He revealed that a recent enforcement exercise led to the seizure of over 100 vehicles, with some found carrying illegal items. Despite prior warnings and signed undertakings by drivers, many operators returned to unauthorized locations.
The FCTA said it has invested heavily in modern transit hubs and partnered with private firms under a Public-Private Partnership to manage the facilities.
Elechi dismissed concerns that the policy would affect livelihoods, describing it as a transition to safer and more regulated environments.
He added that authorities would enforce existing transport regulations, including sealing illegal parks and confiscating non-compliant vehicles, stressing a zero-tolerance approach to restore safety and order in Abuja.
