By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has inaugurated a private sector mass transit operation to complement its efforts in providing affordable transportation services to FCT residents.

At the inauguration of the mass transit named “TFA 360 Transportation System” on Tuesday in Abuja, Mr Ubokutom Nyah, said the FCTA was providing an enabling environment for private sector investment in public transportation.

Nyah, the Mandate Secretary, Transportation Secretariat, FCTA said that the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, was working to strengthen partnership with private investors to provide a reliable, affordable, safe, and secure means of mass transit in the territory.

He explained that the high capacity and fully air-conditioned buses heralded the beginning of a transportation system designed to end the menace of robbery through the one-chance syndicate in Abuja.

Nyah revealed that many other private sector investors were being expected to join the efforts in providing alternative means of transportation that would be reliable and affordable to residents.

“The journey to what we are witnessing today started months ago when the company applied to the Transportation Secretariat for issuance of operator license to enable the buses to operate in the FCT.

“We are happy that our efforts for private sector participation in the transportation sector are yielding results.

“There is another company called Capital Luxury with brand new SUV and SEDAN vehicles. They will soon join TFA in providing affordable, secure, and reliable means of transportation in the territory,” he said.

The Managing Director of the company, Dr Yakubu Terry, described the feat as a transformative journey that would redefine urban mobility in the capital city.

Terry said, “The vision of TFA is not just to have buses on the roads, but a commitment to building a connected, sustainable, and efficient transportation system that will foster growth and unify all the residents of our capital city,”

He said the TFA 360 would leverage technology to optimise its operations for a fulfilling commuter experience, beginning with the digital payment system.

“We have also prioritised convenience for our commuters.

“We have not only considered an efficient payment system, but also, we have been able to provide secured, air-conditioned, and free Wi-Fi on board for all our vehicles,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 14 buses were inaugurated with additional ones expected to be rolled out soon. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), says it will crush some of the over 130 impounded rickety vehicles that failed integrity tests.

Dr Abdulateef Bello, Director, Department of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), stated this after taking journalists round the impounded vehicles in the various offices in Abuja on Monday.

Bello said that the vehicles would be subjected to standard verification for registration, road worthiness and other checks, adding that those that fall below minimum standards would be crushed.

He also said that the owners of some of the impounded vehicles would face the mobile court and pay penalties in line with the provisions of the law.

“Some of the vehicles that are here; some of the owners will be made to face mobile courts, that will decide the kind of penalties to be given to them.

“But there are some that definitely will not go back to the road. We are going to invite the owners. We will ask them to pick whatever is valuable in the vehicles, and the vehicles will be crushed,” he said.

The director added that those arrested based on crime committed in the guise of commercial operations, would be handed over to the police for prosecution.

Bello, however,  explained that a total of 130 vehicles were impounded in the last two weeks during evening raids.

According to him, most of the vehicles seized were plying the city roads in the guise of commercial businesses, when they were actually running the city to perpetrate crime.

“So, in the last two weeks under review, we have impounded over 130 vehicles, which we took you round to see.

“The idea is to ensure that we return the city back to sanity; to remove all traces of insecurity and then to ensure seamless traffic flow in the capital city.

“This is an assignment that we have taken upon us in line with the vision of the current administration, to guarantee zero tolerance for insecurity in the FCT.

The director said that the operations would continue until all substandard vehicles being used for criminality were removed from the city.

Bello also said that the DRTS had substantially reduced the level of criminality associated with “one chance” in the FCT.

He explained that in the last one month DRTS was working to ensure that all taxi operators conduct their businesses in the parks and not on the road.

He advised residents against patronising taxis and other vehicles outside the authorised parks. (NAN)

Edited by Ifeyinwa Omowole

By Philip Yatai

A non profit organisation, Crusade for Greater Nigeria on Poverty Eradication and Social Justice has called on the six FCT Area Council Chairmen to take more interest in monitoring  projects sited in their communities.

The founder and President of the organisation, Mr Prosper Okafor, made the call in Abuja on Monday.

”The construction of rural roads projects across the six area councils by  the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, is a demonstration of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to change the narratives of rural communities in the FCT.

”The chairmen of the area councils must closely monitor the contractors to ensure timely and successful delivery of the projects.

”Residents and other relevant stakeholders, particularly the communities where the projects are sited, must take ownership, monitor and protect all ongoing projects against vandals,” he said.

He, therefore, underscored the need for the area council chairmen to support Wike to succeed in his quest to transform the rural areas through the provisions of infrastructure, particularly roads.

“The road projects are sited in rural areas. It is, therefore, the duty of the people in the affected communities to ensure that the contractors do not encounter any obstacles.

“It is time for stakeholders to look beyond sentiments and work for the good of the people,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike says the FCT Administration’s efforts at transforming Abuja into a smart city is not negotiable.

Wike stated this at the Annual Media Retreat of the FCT Minister’s Press Corps in Keffi.

The retreat has the theme, “Building an Environment that Benefits a Smart City. Healthy Café: A Step Towards Effective City Management”.

The minister, who was represented by the Director of Press in his office, Mr Anthony Ogunleye, reiterated the FCTA’s commitment towards creating an environment that benefits all through multifaceted efforts.

According to him, the concept of a smart city is not merely an ambitious vision but an imperative step towards ensuring sustainable urban development and enhanced quality of life for residents.

“It involves the integration of technology, innovation, and strategic planning, to create an environment that is efficient, resilient, and responsive to the needs of its inhabitants.

“We are not only leveraging technological advancements but also prioritising health and well-being at every level of urban planning.

“Initiatives such as accessible green spaces, efficient waste management, sustainable transport systems, and promoting healthy lifestyle contribute significantly to this vision.

“Let us, therefore, leverage the momentum of President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda and the FCT Administration’s steps towards increased revenues to propel our city into a symbol of innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth.”

Wike implored residents to fulfil their civic duties, including timely payment of taxes, such as ground rent, tenement rent, and utility bills while the FCTA strives to meet its obligations to the residents.

The minister also described the flagrant violations of basic rules, such as traffic light violations and driving against traffic as disheartening, adding that such actions would no longer be tolerated.

“Let us work together to build a city where both the government and the public uphold their respective responsibilities for the betterment of our beloved city.

“I urge the media to help us in getting this message across to all and sundry,” the minister said.

The Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority, Mr Shehu Ahmad, said that plans were underway to review the Abuja Master Plan to integrate current realities in the ongoing development of the city.

Ahmad, who was represented by the authority’s Head of Public Relations, Mr Richard Nduul, said that the designs of some districts were already being captured in the planned review.

Earlier, the Chairman of the corps, Mr Hudu Yakubu, said the retreat was organised to discuss the crucial role of the media in fostering community engagement towards building a smart city.

Yakubu said: “As a catalyst of change, the media will play a pivotal role in educating the public about sustainable practices, technology advancement and civic responsibility in the journey towards building a smart city.”

Speaking on the role of media in the planning, development, and management of a smart city, Mr Mukhtar Galadima, Director Department of Development Control, FCTA, described the media as strategic partners in city development.

Galadima, who was represented by an official in the department, Mr Muhammed Zayyanu, said the media was playing a critical role through public enlightenment, promoting transparency and holding government authorities accountable.

He identified some aspects of a smart city to include smart urban growth with mixed land use, innovative technologies, intelligent transport system, walkable city with greens and cycling infrastructure, intelligent waste management and smart economy among others. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

By Philip Yatai

The FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, has assured the management of the Nigerian Law School (NLS) of maximum security at its Abuja campus located in Bwari, Abuja.

Wike made the pledge when a delegation of the NLS, led by its Director-General, Prof. Isa Chiroma, visited him in Abuja on Thursday.

He explained that the FCT Administration has ensured the presence of heavy security in Bwari Area Council, where the Abuja campus of the law school is located.

He said that the security deployment was based on intelligence reports from security agencies, to ensure the safety of residents, including private and public institutions located in the area.

“We didn’t want to take any chances at all, knowing fully well the intelligence we were getting.

“So, that is why there is so much security within Bwari area council.

“This is because if anything happens, it will be a setback to the entire country and the FCT,” the minister said.

Wike reiterated the Administration’s support to the NLS and pledged to consider the institution’s request for the construction of staff quarters and provision of vehicles.

He noted that it was important for agencies within the FCT to be given necessary support.

“Luckily, the legal profession is my own constituency and so, it will be out of place if they have problems and I won’t be able to support them.

“You should take it as granted that the FCT will support you,” Wike said

He directed the General Counsel of the FCT Administration to liaise with the school management to see how the request for the staff quarters would be captured in the FCTA’s 2024 statutory budget.

On the request for vehicles, the minister said that he would look at available vehicles and make some available for the school.

Earlier, Chiroma appealed to the minister to construct staff quarters and provide vehicles for the Abuja campus of the school.

He also explained that the delegation was in Wike’s office to congratulate him on his appointment as minister of the FCT.

He added that the visit was also to inform Wike that he is among the NLS’ awardees to be presented at its 60th Anniversary. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

By Philip Yatai

The National Boundary Commission (NBC), says it will expedite action in the definition and demarcation of Delta boundaries and its neighbouring states to avert clashes.

The Director-General of the commission, Mr Adamu Adaji, gave the assurance when he received a delegation from Delta, in Abuja on Thursday.

The delegation was led by the Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Delta Boundary Committee, Mr Monday Onyeme.

Adaji explained that the decision to define and demarcate the boundaries was to curb further boundary disputes between the state and its neighbours.

He commended Onyeme for taking steps to prevent likely provocation between the state and its neighbouring states.

According to the DG, Delta is one of the few states that have a well-established State Boundary Committee, which has contributed significantly to the cordial working relationship between the state and NBC.

He, however, expressed dissatisfaction over the boundary dispute between Delta and Ondo, which has continued to linger, despite the commission’s technical and political approach to restore lasting peace between the two states.

“It is usually not uncommon to see two sister states who used to be one disagree over boundary lines after the creation of a new state.

“I commended Delta government for its commitment and proactive actions to tackle the lingering boundary dispute.

“The efforts are clear indications of the government’s determination to prioritise the state’s interests and avoid disruptions to its developmental agenda.

“This, in the long run, will ensure territorial integrity and peaceful coexistence between her and her neighbours,” he said.

In his remarks, Onyeme explained that the visit was predicated on the need for the state government to be able to deliver socio-economic development to its people.

He said that Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori was committed to inclusive economic growth, human capital development, infrastructure renewal, peace, and security. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi