FCTA impounds 40 vehicles in Abuja crackdown on illegal motor parks

By Stanley Onyekwere

In a major push to sanitise public transportation in the nation’s capital, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has impounded 40 commercial vehicles for allegedly operating outside the newly commissioned Mabushi Bus and Taxi Terminal.

The vehicles were seized during a multi-day enforcement drive led by the FCTA Security Services Department’s Command and Control Centre.

Following the official opening of the world-class Mabushi Terminal on June 21, the FCT Transport Secretariat issued a strict directive ordering all ad-hoc, roadside motor parks in the Utako and Banex areas to relocate to the new hub by June 24.

Dr. Peter Olumuji, Secretary of the Command and Control Centre, confirmed that the impounded vehicles defied this directive.

He noted that the offending vehicle owners will face prosecution under FCT traffic laws.

He disclosed several individuals were detained by the police for attempting to obstruct the enforcement team.

According to him, the crackdown will persist until 100% compliance is achieved across the city.

“The major security benefit of the bus terminal is that whenever you board a vehicle, you are boarding one that is officially registered, and you know exactly who is driving it,” Olumuji stated.

The Mabushi Terminal—operated by Planet Projects—functions via a seamless, active flow-through routine system capable of accommodating 250 vehicles at any given time.

According to Operations Manager, Mr. Kolawale Babatunde, the terminal processed over 130 vehicles and 800 passengers within its first few days of full operation.

Officials emphasized that unlike the chaotic roadside parks, the new terminal mirrors airport operations as it has full data tracking of all licensed vehicles and drivers, as well as rganised, serene, and modern facilities.

Despite the initial resistance from some operators, those using the new facility have praised the transition.

Abdulsalami Dada, a commercial driver, admitted the organized terminal is far superior to struggling for passengers on the dangerous roadside.

Commuters highlighted the terminal’s professionalism and speed.

A passenger Adamu Emmanuel noted he purchased his ticket via card and completed his entire check-in process seamlessly in under two minutes.

Meanwhile, FCTA officials reiterated that extensive public notices and radio jingles were deployed prior to the enforcement, and they urged remaining roadside operators to migrate to the terminal voluntarily to avoid penalties.