FCTA Impounds 40 Vehicles For Operating Outside Designated Bus Terminal

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has impounded 40 commercial vehicles for operating outside the Mabushi Bus and Taxi Terminal in Abuja as part of efforts to enforce the use of designated transport facilities.

Secretary of the Command and Control Centre, FCTA Security Services Department, Dr. Peter Olumuji, said the vehicles were impounded during an enforcement exercise carried out between Wednesday and Friday. He explained that the action followed the directive issued by the FCT Transport Secretariat requiring commercial operators in the Utako and Banex areas to relocate to the newly inaugurated terminal.

Olumuji said owners of the impounded vehicles would be prosecuted in line with existing traffic regulations, while some individuals were also detained by the police for obstructing the enforcement exercise.

He noted that the operation is aimed at enhancing commuter safety by ensuring that all commercial transport services operate from approved terminals where drivers and vehicles are properly registered and traceable.

An official of the FCT Transport Secretariat, Usman Abdulmuminu, said several notices were issued to commercial operators before the enforcement commenced, adding that public awareness campaigns were also carried out through radio and television.

The operator of the terminal, Planet Projects, said the facility has the capacity to accommodate about 250 vehicles under an organised flow-through system. Since operations began on July 1, about 800 passengers and 130 vehicles have reportedly been processed.

Commercial drivers and passengers who spoke at the terminal commended the initiative, describing the facility as safer, more organised and efficient than roadside loading points. They also praised the professionalism of the staff and the speed of ticket processing.