FCT: DRTS Demolishes Illegal Structures In Taxi Ranks

By Remi Johnson

The Directorate of Road Transport Services, DRTS, has commenced the demolition of shops, eateries, and other illegal structures in taxi ranks areas of the city of Abuja.

The Head of Operations , DRTS, Mrs Deborah Osho explained that the decision to clear the taxi ranks of all illegal structures was reached after a meeting with transport stakeholders to keep the environment clean and serene.

Mrs Osho explained that the measure was to give room for more taxis to operate within the ranks, to discourage illegal taxi parks across the city .

According to Mrs Osho, the move would also address the menace of “one chance” operators, who often take advantage of the illegal parks to perpetuate their evil deeds.

During the exercise, it was discovered that most of the taxi ranks were serving as criminals’ hideout and sales of hard drugs.

At the Area 3 Taxi Rank, the DTRS team, supported by security agencies, demolished a 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 and were using the space to sell hard drugs, including adulterated fuel and diesel.

“We have equally handed over a space around Eagle Square for tax operators to use as temporary taxi rank, 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,” Osho said.

Also the Secretary, FCTA Command and Control Centre, Dr Peter Olumuji, said: One chance happens when people do not have a secured taxi rank to board vehicles”.

Dr Olumuji expressed confidence that the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike would provide all the manpower and logistics needed to keep the capital city clean and serene.

Moreso, Mr Richard Siso, Deputy Chairman, Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, FCT Chapter, and Mr Oladipupo Ebijuni, Chairman and Director Enforcement, Painted Abuja Taxi pledged their full support and described the development as the best for transport operators.

Edited By Grace Namiji