Illegal operators in the FCT forfeit 1,500 commercial motorcycles to FG

Mr Wadata Bodinga, Director, Directorate of Road Transport Services in the FCT, said on Tuesday in Abuja that more than 1,500 impounded commercial motorcycles had been forfeited to the Federal Government. Bodinga said this during the 2021 national conference of DRTS Directors of the Federation. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the FCT […]

Mr Wadata Bodinga, Director, Directorate of Road Transport Services in the FCT, said on Tuesday in Abuja that more than 1,500 impounded commercial motorcycles had been forfeited to the Federal Government.

Bodinga said this during the 2021 national conference of DRTS Directors of the Federation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the FCT DRTS obtained court forfeiture orders on the motorcycles operating illegally within the territory.

Bodinga said additional 700 motorcycles were undergoing the process of court forfeiture.

He said that the Service, in collaboration with the FCT Administration was ready to tackle illegal operations of motorcycles and tricycles in the territory to ensure road security.

He explained that he was perplexed by the increasing number of commercial motorcycles still operating within the city in spite of the seizure of such large numbers.

The director said that the conference, which brought together the directors from the 36 states of the federation, the FCT and other stakeholders, was relevant to promoting safe roads.

“The timing is right as yearends are known for high rate of road crashes because of festivities, political and religious activities,’’ he said.

Bodinga added that the meeting was aimed at discussing effective drivers’ education system and what measures the service could put in place to ensure better driving culture.

He blamed most road crashes on carelessness on the part of vehicles operators.

“People on the wheels don’t drive with care and attention, therefore committing infractions on other road users and this is one of the critical issues that is key to this conference,’’ he said.

In his remarks, FCT Permanent Secretary, Dr Babatope Ajakaiye, frowned at the increasing rate of road casualties in Nigeria.

NAN reports that commercial motorcycling also known as “Okada’’ was banned in the FCT city centre in 2005.