FCT MINISTER SUSPENDS BAN ON MINI BUSES

By NBF News

The ban restricting mini buses popularly called 'Araba' from entering Abuja city has been suspended.

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) commenced enforcement of the restriction order which it said was in line with the transportation master plan of the FCT on Tuesday.

LEADERSHIP reports that the ban was greeted with public outcry by a large section of Abuja residents who had to trek long distances as a result of the ban.

The FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed in a statement by his press secretary, Hazat Sule said the suspension was for only three weeks.

According to the statement, the minister made the announcement after a meeting with stakeholders, including leaders of the mini-buses union, FCT chapters of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) respectively as well as the FCT Police Commissioner and the Director, Department of State Security.

Senator Mohammed the statement added, insisted that there is no going back on the policy as it is for the good of all the residents of the FCT, noting that other similar policies of the administration, such as the park and pay policy which were received with criticism had turned out to be laudable.

A committee to be chaired by the FCT Permanent Secretary, Engr. Anthony Ozodinobi with membership drawn from the FCT Chapters of the NLC/TUC, the Police, VIO, FRSC, and member of a Civil Society Organisation has been inaugurated to fine-tune the implementation of the policy.