Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ezekiel Oyero
Published on 2024-04-05 22:34:26
Chinedum Elechi, the Mandate Secretary of the Transportation Secretariat in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), recently addressed the Coalition of FCT Associations of Tricycle and Motorcycle Operators (COFATRIMO), emphasizing the importance of adhering to designated routes for their operations within the territory. The statement was released by Ughamadu Ifeanyi, the deputy director of information at the FCT Transportation Secretariat, highlighting the significance of maintaining order in the city.
Drawing parallels between Abuja and other global capitals like Washington DC, Paris, and London, Mr. Elechi underscored the critical role of Abuja as the Nigerian capital. He stated, “Abuja is to Nigerians what Washington DC is to Americans, what Paris is to the French, and what London is to the British. We must make things work here.”
During a recent working visit by the Coalition, Mr. Elechi reiterated the necessity of adhering to route restrictions and warned of potential impoundment of any tricycle or motorcycle found violating these restrictions. Despite the crushing of over 8,000 motorcycles since 2021, Mr. Elechi expressed concerns about the continuous replacement of these vehicles by riders, raising apprehensions about potential misuse beyond the scope of motorcycle business.
He emphasized that the confiscation and crushing of non-compliant motorcycles would persist until riders complied with operational rules within the territory. Mr. Elechi assured the coalition of the secretariat’s commitment to strengthening, sanitizing, and regulating their operations for the benefit of the city’s residents.
Addressing the issue of enforcement and cooperation, Abdulatif Bello, director of the Department of Road Traffic Services, expressed concerns about the potential misuse of tricycles and motorcycles for criminal activities. He urged the heads of the coalition to ensure strict adherence to assigned routes to avoid clashes with the enforcement team.
However, the leader of the coalition, Chilenye Ekwuru, appealed for their members to be considered in the new transport policy of the administration. Mr. Ekwuru requested a warning system before the confiscation of motorcycles for route violations and sought consideration during the administration’s palliative sharing due to the financial strain faced by their members in maintaining vehicles.
Mr. Elechi reassured the coalition of the secretariat’s support in regulating their operations for the benefit of the city’s residents and urged all operators to comply with operational regulations within the city.
In conclusion, the adherence to designated routes and operational regulations by tricycle and motorcycle operators in the FCT is crucial for maintaining order and safety within the city. The collaboration between the coalition, the Transportation Secretariat, and the enforcement team is essential in ensuring compliance and preventing potential misuse of vehicles for criminal activities. Through mutual cooperation and understanding, the aim is to enhance the overall transportation system in Abuja for the welfare and safety of its residents.
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