By Stanley Onyekwere
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) though it’s transportation secretariat has intensified its crackdown on illegal public transport operations, reiterating its commitment to eradicating criminal elements from Abuja’s transport sector.
On Monday, the secretariat continued its targeted enforcement drive at the unauthorized transport hub popularly known as “Jabi Upstairs.”
The ongoing enforcement campaign, which commenced on July 1, aims to centralize all commercial vehicle operations at the newly established Mabushi Bus and Taxi Terminal.
Speaking at the site, the Mandate Secretary of the FCTA Transportation Secretariat, Mr. Chinedum Elechi, represented by Mr. Usman Abdulmumin, stated that the operation directly aligns with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s directive to rid the nation’s capital of unauthorized motor parks and transport operators.
Elechi clarified that vehicles seized during the initial phase of the crackdown will be released to their owners only after proper documentation is completed and formal undertakings are signed promising not to operate in illegal zones again.
On his part, Dr. Peter Olumuji, Secretary of the FCTA Command and Control Centre, emphasized that allowing illegal parks to thrive compromises the city’s security, law, and order.
He noted that the active involvement of the FCT Security Services Department has been crucial in ensuring compliance, as many operators would otherwise ignore the directive.
According to Olumuji, the synchronization of enforcement with the opening of the Mabushi Terminal has already resulted in a noticeably more organized and orderly public transport landscape.
The facility’s readiness was echoed by Mr. Demola Olawepo, Director of Transport Planning and Institutional Development at Planet Projects Limited.
He assured the public that the Mabushi Terminal is equipped with robust security measures and operational systems designed to protect commuters, noting that its launch has already led to a sharp decline in transport-related crimes.
Commuters have also welcomed the change, and sharing his experience, passenger Mr. Hamzat Gumil praised the FCTA’s new coordinated framework.
“This is my first time using the terminal, and I am impressed.
“Everything I have seen so far is well-organized and satisfactory,” he stated.
