Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has ordered an immediate and aggressive crackdown on commercial vehicles loading passengers outside designated bus and taxi terminals across Abuja, warning that defaulting vehicles would be impounded and auctioned as part of measures to restore order and discipline in the nation's capital. Wike issued the directive on Saturday, August 22, 2026, while inspecting ongoing projects in Abuja, expressing deep frustration over persistent traffic violations and the continued practice of roadside passenger loading by commercial transport operators. The minister, who has previously employed forceful language to describe his approach to governance, declared that softer enforcement measures had failed and that the FCT Administration would now adopt stricter enforcement to compel compliance.
The minister's warning comes amid growing concerns over the chaotic state of public transportation in Abuja, where commercial drivers have routinely ignored designated terminals in favour of unauthorised pick-up points, contributing to traffic congestion, disorder and security risks. Wike noted that the Mabushi and Central Business District bus and taxi terminals are fully operational and had been provided as designated locations for commercial vehicles to load and offload passengers. He insisted that commercial transport operators had no choice but to comply with the regulations, stating, "The bus and taxi terminals are accredited places for people to load. They will not agree, but I can tell you, they must agree". He added, "We will impound their vehicle, we will sanction it and we'll auction it".
In characteristic blunt language, Wike defended the need for strict enforcement, arguing that restoring order in an environment of lawlessness required a firm hand. "You can't be sane in an insane environment. For you to be able to let those who are insane to do what they're supposed to do, you, too, must source for an element of insanity," the minister said. "For that purpose, we'll use a small level of madness in us, and then they will understand that they must obey the rules". Wike assured residents that the enforcement drive would begin immediately, warning illegal operators that the administration would not back down. "Don't worry, they have no choice. They will obey. We will carry them, and we will impound their vehicles. Watch what will happen," he declared.
The establishment of bus terminals, according to Wike, is part of broader measures to address the problem of "one-chance" and other security risks associated with informal passenger loading points across Abuja. The minister explained that the terminals were designed to centralise public transportation, reduce roadside congestion and improve security and traffic management across the capital. He also noted that the government was working to commence operations at the Central Area and Kugbo bus terminals, while plans were also underway to replicate the terminal system across the six Area Councils of the FCT. The minister's directive has drawn attention to the ongoing challenges facing Abuja's transport system, where commercial drivers have continued to flout regulations despite repeated warnings from the authorities.
Wike's threat to impound and auction vehicles operating outside designated terminals is the latest in a series of enforcement actions aimed at restoring order in the FCT. The Transportation Secretariat of the FCT Administration has been engaged in a sustained clampdown on commercial vehicles operating in ad-hoc motor parks, with officials citing the minister's directive to rid the territory of criminal elements operating illegal motor parks. The FCT Administration had previously issued an ultimatum to commercial transport operators in illegal parks and roadside locations, asking them to move to designated bus terminals or face shutdown. The construction of modern bus and taxi terminals at Mabushi, Eagle Square and Kugbo was part of the administration's strategy to centralise public transportation and reduce the disorder associated with roadside loading.
The minister's remarks have sparked debate among transport operators and commuters, with some expressing support for the move to restore order while others have raised concerns about the impact on commercial drivers who rely on roadside loading for their livelihoods. However, Wike was unequivocal in his stance, insisting that the administration would not compromise in restoring order to the capital city. "You see, you know, I have said it. You can't be sane in an insane environment. So, for you to be able to let those who are insane to do what they are supposed to do, you too, you must also put up some element of insanity. You cannot be a right man and rule mad people," he said. The minister's declaration that "everyone must obey the rules" reflects a growing determination by the FCT Administration to enforce compliance and restore order in Abuja's transport system, even if it means adopting what he himself describes as a "small level of madness".
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