The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration, in a bid to tackle the persistent menace of “one chance” robberies in the capital city, is set to ban unpainted taxis and buses from operating, as well as establish official bus terminals.
Minister Nyesom Wike announced the two solutions during a recent media chat, citing concerns that unpainted vehicles provide anonymity for criminal elements.
“We are not going to allow vehicles that are not painted with FCT colour and registered by the FCTA to ply commercial in the territory.
“That way, you know the driver is certified by the FCT and the buses and the taxes were also approved by the FCT.
“When this is done, you as the passenger will not take the risk of going to enter any vehicle that you don’t even know,” he said
Wike added that the crackdown will also extend to ride-hailing services like Uber.
He said the drivers needed to be certified and profiled by the security agencies.
“This is a city, if you don’t have rules, there will be problems,” he added.
According to Wike, the lack of designated bus terminals also contributes to the vulnerability of passengers. As such, he announced plans to construct at least three terminals in 2024.
“That way, you know the drivers and the vehicle that you are entering.
“But currently, everybody is just on the road. You are going to Nyanya, a car is on the road, you enter; you are going to Wuye, a car is on the road you enter.
“What we are trying to do in the 2024 fiscal year is to at least build three terminals for a start, so that we will know the buses and taxes that will carry people from such terminals.
“When this is done nobody will take the risk of going on the road to wave for a taxi. That way, you will be able to reduce crime,” he said.
