Authority Seeks Palliatives On Mini-Bus Restriction

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration is to introduce palliatives to cushion the harsh effects of the planned restriction of mini-buses in the Abuja metropolis.

The Special Assistant on Media to the FCT Minister, Mr Nosike Ogbuenyi, made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.

He said that the mini-bus drivers would be assisted by the FCTA to ensure that when the enforcement of restriction commenced it would not jeopardise the economy.

Ogbuenyi said the implementation of the policy would remain suspended, to further enlighten stakeholders involved in the implementation, including operators, commuters, FCT residents and the general public.

He said that the policy would also remain suspended because the minister had directed that additional bus stops should be provided for proper delineation of where buses should pick passengers.

The special assistant said that mini-bus drivers under the aegis of Self- Employed Commercial Drivers had requested the FCTA to license them to operate high-capacity buses in the city.

“The mini-bus drivers want FCTA to give them licence to operate in the city centre by teaming up to purchase high-capacity buses and also assist them in getting loans from banks at low interest rates,’’ he said.

Ogbuenyi, however, said that the mini and high-capacity buses would for now continue to operate, pending the enforcement of the routes delineation policy.

“The implementation of routes delineation for mini and high-capacity buses in the Abuja metropolis remains suspended as the FCTA puts in place measures to cushion the effects of the policy.