The Directorate of Road Transport Services (DRTS), Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has commenced demolition of shops, eateries, and other illegal structures in taxi ranks across Abuja.

The demolition started with Area 3 and Banex Junction Taxi Ranks in Abuja on Friday.

In Area 3 Taxi Rank, the DTRS team, supported by security agencies, demolished car wash, mechanic workshop, cinema house, and

eateries, among others, operating within the ranks.

At Banex Junction Taxi Rank, the taxis were not using the ranks because they had been taken over by miscreants who use the space to sell hard drugs, including adulterated fuel and diesel.

Deborah Osho, DRTS head of operations who led the team, explained that the measure was to allow more taxis to operate within the ranks. According to her, this will discourage illegal taxi parks across the city because there is not enough space in the taxi ranks.

She added that the move would also address the menace of “one chance” operators, who took advantage of the illegal parks to perpetuate their evil deeds.

She pointed out that most of the taxi ranks were not being used for taxi operations but criminals’ hideouts, selling hard drugs.

Ms Osho explained that the decision to demolish and clear the taxi ranks of illegal structures was reached after a meeting with transport stakeholders on the need for a cleaner and serene environment in the FCT.

She added that “on Monday, the DRTS invited stakeholders in the transportation sector for a meeting, and one of the resolutions was to clear the taxi ranks for taxis to operate inside the ranks.”

Ms Osho stated, “We have equally handed over a space around Eagle Square for taxi operators to use as temporary to stop the menace of illegal parks around the federal secretariat. 

“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.”

Peter Olumuji, the secretary of the FCTA Command and Control Centre, Department of Security Service, said, “One chance happens when people do not have a secured taxi rank to board vehicles. After going round with DRTS officials, we noticed that most of the taxi ranks were occupied by people that were not meant to be there.

“But as we clear these illegal structures, more vehicles will be coming into the ranks so that commuters will be able to board safe and secured taxis to their various destinations. This is a joint effort that will continue.”

Mr Olumuji said that to sustain the clean taxi ranks operations, there was a need for more personnel for DRTS and vehicular assets to move to every nuke and cranny of the city.

He added that the Department of Development Control also needs more wheel loaders and caterpillars for clearance operations.

He expressed confidence that FCT minister Nyesom Wike would provide the manpower and logistics needed to keep the capital city clean and serene.

Commenting on the development, Richard Siso, the deputy chairman of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, FCT chapter, described the joint effort as the best for transport operators.

He said, “This is what we have been asking the government to help us do; we thank God that the government has listened to us and has come out to clear the parks for us. We are in full support.”

Oladipupo Ebijuni, the chairman and director of the Enforcement, Painted Abuja Taxi, said, “We are very happy with what is happening here. I want

to assure DRTS of our full support.” 

(NAN)