Authorities warn of vehicle impoundment and closure of unauthorized loading points as the Wike administration moves to overhaul public transportation and tighten security across the capital….
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has issued a final warning to commercial transport operators using illegal motor parks and roadside loading points across Abuja, directing them to relocate to designated government bus terminals or face strict enforcement.
The ultimatum was announced on Thursday by the Mandate Secretary of the FCTA Transportation Secretariat, Chinedum Elechi, during a press briefing in Abuja.
According to Elechi, the era of operating from unauthorized parks is coming to an end, as the administration is prepared to shut down all illegal loading points and impound vehicles belonging to operators who refuse to comply.
He explained that the directive forms part of the FCTA’s broader plan to fully activate the capital’s newly built transport terminals, beginning with the Mabushi Bus Terminal, while promoting a more organized and secure public transport system.
Elechi said the initiative aligns with the vision of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who has consistently emphasized restoring order, improving the city’s appearance, and strengthening security throughout the nation’s capital.
“The Federal Capital City represents Nigeria to the world. Just as London reflects the United Kingdom and Paris reflects France, Abuja must project the image of a modern, orderly capital. A functional public transportation system is central to achieving that vision,” he said.
The transport secretary noted that the administration has invested billions of naira in developing modern bus terminals in Mabushi, Kugbo, and the Central Business District (CBD), describing them as the first facilities of their kind in the FCT’s history.
Beyond improving the commuting experience, Elechi said the terminals are expected to play a major role in tackling insecurity by ensuring transport operators are properly registered and monitored.
He argued that bringing commercial transport activities into regulated terminals would help curb crimes such as the notorious “one chance” robberies, while also disrupting the movement of illegal drugs and weapons.
To support his claims, Elechi revealed that a recent trial enforcement exercise uncovered disturbing discoveries after officials impounded vehicles operating from unauthorized locations.
“About two weeks ago, we carried out a trial enforcement after issuing quit notices. During the operation, we found highly illegal items inside some of the impounded vehicles. What we discovered was alarming,” he disclosed.
He added that profiling operators within designated terminals would significantly improve security monitoring across the city.
The FCTA also disclosed that it has entered into Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreements with private firms, including Planet Projects, to manage the ultra-modern transport facilities and ensure efficient operations.
Addressing concerns from transport unions and operators, Elechi insisted that the government’s objective is not to deprive anyone of their source of income but to relocate them from unsafe roadside environments into better-equipped and more secure terminals.
“We are not taking food from anybody’s table. We are simply asking operators to move into facilities that have already been built with public resources instead of operating from dangerous and unhealthy roadside locations,” he said.
The transport secretary expressed disappointment that previous enforcement efforts had failed to secure lasting compliance. He recalled that over 100 vehicles were previously impounded, with many drivers released after signing undertakings promising to stop operating from illegal parks.
According to him, several of those operators returned to the same unauthorized locations almost immediately after regaining their vehicles.
“It’s been a cat-and-mouse game, and we are no longer willing to tolerate it,” Elechi said. He warned that any private property converted into an unauthorized motor park would be sealed, while vehicles found operating from illegal locations would be confiscated in accordance with the law.
Elechi maintained that the Transport Secretariat has the legal authority to enforce compliance under Order 1, established during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, as well as the FCT Transportation Regulations 2023.
With the full backing of the FCT Minister and the Presidency, he said the administration would continue enforcing a zero-tolerance policy against illegal transport operations as part of efforts to restore sanity, improve commuter safety, and modernize Abuja’s transportation network.
