By Emmanuel Onyedika
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has launched a joint enforcement operation with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to curb reckless driving and traffic violations threatening smooth vehicular movement in Abuja.
Mandate Secretary, Transportation Secretariat, Chinedum Elechi, disclosed this at a joint press conference in Abuja, noting that the exercise would target motorists who drive against traffic, disobey traffic lights, use restricted routes, park indiscriminately and commit other offences capable of causing congestion and accidents.
Elechi explained that while the expansion of the FCT road network had improved mobility, it had also created opportunities for some drivers to abuse the roads.
“We are extremely happy to have this special collaboration with the Sector Command of the FCT. I think this is the first time that we’re having this kind of collaboration,” he said.
He added that a joint task force involving the Transportation Secretariat, FCT Security Department, Traffic Control Department, FRSC and other agencies would commence patrols and arrests across strategic locations in the territory.
The enforcement will focus on traffic light violations, route violations, unauthorised use of restricted roads, driving against traffic, illegal parking on major roads and junctions, as well as parking under bridges and pedestrian crossings.
Elechi warned motorists and commercial transport operators against violating traffic rules, stressing that offenders would face sanctions under applicable FCT and national traffic regulations. He further noted that some violators could be subjected to mandatory medical and psychological evaluation where applicable.
The initiative aims to restore discipline on Abuja roads and ensure that the city’s growing road infrastructure translates into safer and faster movement for residents.