The Directorate of Road Transport Services (DRTS), Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has embarked on a demolition exercise, targeting illegal taxi ranks in Abuja. The initiative aims to clear shops, eateries, and other unauthorized structures within taxi ranks across the capital city. The demolition commenced at the Area 3 and Banex Junction Taxi Ranks over the weekend.
In Area 3 Taxi Rank, the DRTS team, aided by security agencies, demolished various establishments such as a car wash, mechanic workshop, cinema house, and eateries. These unauthorized structures were operating within the ranks. At Banex Junction Taxi Rank, miscreants had taken over the space, using it to sell hard drugs, including adulterated fuel and diesel. As a result, taxis were unable to properly utilize the ranks.
Mrs. Deborah Osho, Head of Operations at DRTS, led the team during the demolition and clarified that the purpose of the exercise was to create more space for taxis to operate within the ranks. The aim is to discourage the existence of illegal taxi parks throughout the city by resolving the issue of inadequate space in the official ranks. Additionally, the initiative will address the problem of one chance operators who exploit illegal parks to carry out illicit activities.
During the exercise, it became evident that many taxi ranks were not fulfilling their intended purpose but instead serving as hideouts for criminals and hubs for the sale of illicit substances, including petroleum products. The decision to demolish and clear all illegal structures within taxi ranks was made after a meeting with transport stakeholders. The objective is to create a cleaner and more serene environment in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
As an immediate solution, a temporary taxi rank space was allocated around Eagle Square, while plans are in place to clean all taxi ranks by 2024. The efforts are expected to incentivize boarding taxis within the official ranks, ultimately eradicating the issue of one chance occurrences in the city.
Dr. Peter Olumuji, Secretary of the Command and Control Centre at the Department of Security Service, FCTA, emphasized that the creation of secure taxi ranks is essential in combating the occurrence of one chance crimes. He expressed confidence in the joint effort between DRTS and security agencies to clear illegal structures and facilitate the movement of more vehicles into the ranks, allowing commuters to access safe and secure taxis.
To maintain the cleanliness and efficiency of the taxi ranks, additional personnel and vehicular assets are required for the DRTS. Similarly, the Department of Development Control necessitates more resources such as wheel loaders and caterpillars for clearance operations. However, there is optimism that Mr. Nyesom Wike, the FCT Minister, will provide the required manpower and logistics to ensure the capital city remains clean and serene.
Transport industry stakeholders have expressed their support for the demolition exercise. Mr. Richard Siso, Deputy Chairman of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, FCT Chapter, hailed the government’s action, describing it as the best for transport operators. Mr. Oladipupo Ebijuni, Chairman and Director of Enforcement at Painted Abuja Taxi, echoed the sentiment, assuring the DRTS of their full support.
The demolition of illegal structures within taxi ranks in Abuja aims to create a safer and more organized transportation system. By removing unauthorized establishments, more taxis will be able to operate within the officially designated ranks, ensuring greater security for commuters. The joint effort between DRTS and security agencies signifies a commitment to combating the menace of one chance operators and contributing to a cleaner and more efficient capital city.
