Wike threatens to impound, auction commercial vehicles loading passengers outside Abuja terminals

Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has ordered a crackdown on commercial vehicles operating outside designated bus and taxi terminals in Abuja.

Speaking on Saturday after inspecting some ongoing projects in the nation’s capital, Wike said commercial vehicles found loading passengers at unauthorised locations would be impounded and auctioned.

The minister expressed concern over persistent traffic violations and roadside passenger loading, noting that the Mabushi and central business district (CBD) bus and taxi terminals are fully operational.

According to him, previous attempts to enforce traffic regulations through softer measures have failed, leaving the administration with no option but to adopt stricter enforcement measures.

“We don’t think that we should enforce, or people should obey rules, until you use force,” Wike said.

“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.”

Wike said restoring order in Abuja’s transport system would require firm enforcement against persistent offenders.

The minister said the Mabushi and CBD terminals were built to centralise public transportation, ease roadside congestion and improve security across Abuja.

He noted that many commercial drivers continued to ignore the designated terminals and pick up passengers from unauthorised locations.

“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,” the minister added.

“For that purpose, we’ll use a small level of madness in us, and then they will understand that they must obey the rules.”

Wike added that enforcement would begin immediately, warning commercial transport operators that the FCT Administration would not reverse the decision.(TheCable)