By Milcah Tanimu

In a recent move, the Directorate of Road Transport Services (DRTS) under the Federal Capital Territory Administration has initiated the removal of unauthorized structures, including shops and eateries, from taxi parks across Abuja.

Director Abdulateef Bello, after a meeting with transport stakeholders on Monday, announced plans to reclaim all taxi ranks in the territory, aiming to establish a more organized mass transportation system in the FCT.

Subsequently, the DRTS team, with support from security agencies, commenced the demolition of illegal structures at the Area 3 and Banex Junction Taxi Ranks in Abuja last Friday. At Area 3, the team dismantled a car wash, mechanic workshops, a cinema house, and eateries within the ranks.

Miscreants had taken over the Banex Junction Taxi Rank, using the space for illicit activities such as selling hard drugs and adulterated fuel. Mrs. Deborah Osho, Head of Operations at DRTS, led the team and explained that the measures were taken to create more space for taxis within the ranks, discouraging illegal taxi parks and addressing the issue of “one chance” operators.

“We are prepared to clean all taxi ranks in 2024, to ensure that motorists board taxis inside the taxi ranks and not outside. This, in the long run, will address the menace of ‘one chance’ in the city,” said Osho.

Dr. Peter Olumuji, FCTA Secretary, Command and Control Centre in the Department of Security, emphasized that secure taxi ranks were crucial in preventing one-chance crimes. As illegal structures are cleared, more vehicles can use the ranks, providing commuters with safe and secure taxis.

Deputy Chairman of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, FCT Chapter, Mr. Richard Siso, expressed support for the government’s intervention, describing it as a positive development for transport operators.