Wike Orders Impoundment, Auction of Commercial Vehicles Loading Outside Abuja Terminals
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ordered an immediate crackdown on commercial vehicles operating and loading passengers outside designated bus and taxi terminals in Abuja.
Wike issued the directive on Saturday after inspecting some ongoing projects in the nation’s capital, warning that vehicles found violating the regulation would be impounded and auctioned.
The minister said the Mabushi and Central Business District Bus and Taxi Terminals were fully operational and should be used by commercial transport operators.
He expressed concern over persistent traffic violations and illegal roadside loading, saying previous soft enforcement measures had failed to achieve compliance.
“We don’t think that we should enforce, or people should obey rules, until you use force,” Wike said.
He stressed that the designated terminals were the accredited locations for commercial vehicles to load passengers and warned operators against disregarding the directive.
“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,” he said.
Wike said the FCT Administration would adopt tougher measures to restore discipline and ensure compliance with traffic regulations.
“You can’t be sane in an insane environment. For you to be able to let those who are insane to do what they’re supposed to do, you, too, must source for an element of insanity,” he said.
The minister explained that the Mabushi and Central Business District terminals were established to centralise public transportation, reduce roadside congestion and improve security within Abuja.
He, however, expressed disappointment that some commercial drivers continued to ignore the accredited terminals and instead picked up passengers at unauthorised locations.
Wike said enforcement would commence immediately, assuring residents that the FCT Administration would not relent until commercial transport operators complied with the regulations.
“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.
