Wike made the announcement at the FCT Renewed Hope Youth Empowerment Programme in Abuja, highlighting security clearance as a crucial requirement for commercial drivers. Under this new policy, commercial drivers who do not pass the security screening will be prohibited from operating within the FCT. The plan also mandates that cleared drivers display specific identifiers, including the official Abuja color scheme, making it easier for passengers to distinguish legitimate vehicles from unauthorized operators.
In his address, Wike emphasized that the new clearance process is part of a broader security strategy for Abuja’s public transportation sector. The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) seeks to partner with security agencies to prevent criminal activities on public transport routes and instill confidence in commuters regarding their safety. Wike outlined that with each driver undergoing security profiling, authorities aim to reduce the chances of criminals exploiting the public transport system to carry out illicit activities.
The policy will require significant coordination between the FCTA, the Nigeria Police Force, and the DSS, as the agencies prepare to implement a system for assessing drivers by the January deadline. Discussions surrounding the policy reveal that the clearance will involve checks that confirm drivers’ identities and ensure that they have no criminal backgrounds, potentially making public transportation in Abuja safer for commuters. With the system in place, FCTA authorities anticipate a gradual decline in transport-related crimes.
This new security measure for commercial drivers follows recent reports indicating an uptick in criminal activity within Abuja’s public transport. The FCTA expects this security clearance policy to help create a safer environment for both drivers and passengers. By enforcing these new requirements, officials aim to address the vulnerabilities within the public transport system, providing a deterrent for those considering criminal acts and making Abuja’s public transport a less accessible option for them.
He said: “From January next year, there will be nobody that will operate as a taxi driver or a bus driver without having approval from security, with security profiling you and without going about with Abuja colour.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
