The article discusses a recent initiative carried out by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Regional Transport Services Directorate in Abuja, Nigeria. This initiative aims to demolish illegal taxi ranks and clean up existing taxi ranks to encourage a more orderly and secure environment for passengers.
The DRTS team, supported by local security forces, began the demolition from Area 3 and Banex Junction areas of Abuja. At the Area 3 taxi station, car washes, mechanic shops, cinemas and restaurants were demolished. At the Banex Junction taxi rank, taxis could not use the ranks because they had been taken over by thugs who were using the space to sell hard drugs, including counterfeit fuel and diesel.
DRTS Operations Manager, Deborah Osho, explained that the move is aimed at allowing more taxis to operate in the ranks, thereby discouraging illegal taxi fleets across the city due to lack of sufficient space in the ranks. She also stressed that this would help fight against “one chance” operators, who take advantage of illegal parks to commit their misdeeds.
Osho explained that the decision to demolish and clean the taxi ranks of illegal structures was taken after a meeting with transport stakeholders on the need for a cleaner and serene environment in the FCT. Additionally, she added that temporary spaces for taxis have been provided around Eagle Square to help stop the problem of illegal parking near the Federal Secretariat.
This joint initiative between the DRTS, security forces and transport stakeholders is welcomed by the Secretary of the Command and Control Center of the Department of Security Services of the FCT. According to him, the presence of secure taxi ranks will reduce cases of “one chance” and ensure better security for passengers. However, to maintain this clean taxi rank operation, it is necessary to strengthen the DRTS workforce and provide additional equipment such as wheel loaders and bulldozers.
In conclusion, this initiative to demolish illegal taxi fleets and clean up the existing ranks in Abuja is an important step in ensuring the safety of passengers and creating a more orderly environment in the Nigerian capital. It was welcomed by transport stakeholders who support this approach. It is hoped that these efforts will help reduce cases of “one chance” and improve the passenger experience when traveling by taxi.