Business and Economy
Operators Decry Menace of Touts in FCT Transport System
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and security agencies have been urged to adopt stringent measures to curb the growing menace of touts and unregistered vehicles operating within the territory’s transport system.
Secretary of FCTA Licensed Transport Operators, Alhaji Shehu Shugaba, made the call while reacting to Wednesday’s incident between Berger and Bannex Junction, which resulted in the death of two persons, including a tout. He noted that inadequate regulation continues to fuel insecurity in the FCT.
According to Shugaba, preliminary investigations revealed that touts engaged in criminal activities along the route are not affiliated with any licensed transport operators.
He explained that the accident occurred when a private vehicle stopped at Berger to pick up a passenger. An unidentified person entered the vehicle and forced it down to Bannex, where the incident took place.
Shugaba clarified that all licensed operators are properly identified with jackets and official identity cards, stressing that none of their staff would act contrary to the rules governing transport operations in the territory.
He emphasized that licensed taxi operators are guided by strict rules and regulations, urging private car owners who wish to engage in commercial transport activities to register with recognized operators. This, he said, would help strengthen the transport system across the six Area Councils of the FCT.