Wike Orders Crackdown On Commercial Vehicles Operating Outside Abuja Terminals
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ordered an immediate crackdown on commercial vehicles that operate outside designated bus and taxi terminals in Abuja.
Wike issued the directive on Saturday while inspecting ongoing projects in the nation’s capital, expressing concern over the continued disregard for approved transportation terminals and the persistent use of unauthorised roadside points for passenger loading and drop-off.
The minister warned that commercial drivers who violate the directive would face severe sanctions, including the impoundment and possible auctioning of their vehicles.
According to him, the Mabushi and Central Business District bus and taxi terminals are fully operational and have been designated as accredited locations for commercial transport operators to pick up and drop off passengers.
He said the terminals were established to centralise public transportation, reduce traffic congestion caused by roadside loading, and improve security and orderliness within the FCT.
Wike, however, expressed frustration that many commercial transport operators had continued to ignore the approved terminals in favour of unauthorised locations, despite previous enforcement efforts and warnings by the FCT Administration.
He said the government had decided to adopt stricter measures after what he described as the failure of soft enforcement to compel persistent offenders to comply with transportation regulations.
“We don’t think that we should enforce, or people should obey rules, until you use force,” Wike said.
He stressed that the designated bus and taxi terminals were the only approved places for commercial vehicles to load passengers, warning operators that the government would no longer tolerate violations.
“The bus and taxi terminals are accredited places for people to load. They will not agree, but I can tell you, they must agree.
“We will impound their vehicle, we will sanction it and we’ll auction it,” the minister said.
Wike also described the traffic situation in parts of Abuja as chaotic, arguing that persistent disregard for traffic and transportation regulations required a firm response from the authorities.
He maintained that the administration would match persistent lawlessness with strict enforcement in order to restore discipline and ensure compliance with established city regulations.
The minister assured residents that enforcement would commence immediately, insisting that commercial transport operators had no alternative but to comply with the new directive.
“Don’t worry, they have no choice. They will obey. We will carry them, and we will impound their vehicles. Watch what will happen,” he said.
The FCT Administration is expected to intensify monitoring and enforcement around the approved terminals and other strategic locations across Abuja as part of efforts to improve traffic management and restore order to the city’s public transportation system.
