FCTA Clarifies Abuja Taxi Registration Process for Private Cars

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has provided clarification on the process for private car owners to operate as taxis in Abuja without painting theirvehicles. This is contrary to the common belief that only painted taxis are legally permitted to operate in the nation's capital.

This clarification has significant implications for the safety and security of passengers in Abuja, as it provides a legal avenue for private car owners to engage in commercial transportation services while ensuring proper registration and monitoring. It also highlights the FCTA's commitment to addressing concerns around kidnappings andone-chance criminal activities in the city.

To operate as a taxi, private car owners must register their vehicles with relevant bodies, acquire unique identification and vehicle plate numbers, and go through the e-hailing scheme. This includes registration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and the Directorate of Road Traffic Service (DRTS).

The e-hailing scheme, which includes operators like Uber and Bolt, allows private car owners to operate as taxis without painting their vehicles. They will be issued unique number plates and their data will be registered with NIMC and DRTS, making it easier to trace them in case of any issues.

Deborah Osho, Head of Operations at the FCT Directorate of Road Traffic Service (DRTS), explained, "If you want to be a taxi driver, be a driver with painted taxis, and if you want to be an e-hailing driver, go through the processes and get a unique number plate, where you will be seen. You can now not paint your vehicles, but we have all your details, all your data with us, which we can use to trace you in the event of any eventualities."

During a clampdown on illegal taxi operators in Abuja, over 20 vehicles were impounded in areas such as Area 3, Apo Interchange under the bridge, and the Three Arms Zone. The defaulting drivers will face mobile court for prosecution.

Why this matters: The FCTA has reiterated its commitment to securing lives and property in the FCT, with zero tolerance for illegal parks and unpainted taxis, which are believed to fuel kidnappings and one-chance criminal activities in Abuja. Dr. Peter Olumuji, Secretary of the Command-and-Control Unit at the FCTA Department of Security Services, emphasized that security in the FCT has improved tremendously and efforts will not be relaxed due to economic hardships.

The clarification on the taxi registration process for private cars in Abuja provides a legal avenue for owners to engage in commercial transportation services without the need to paint their vehicles. By adhering to the established procedures and participating in the e-hailing scheme, private car owners can contribute to the city's transportation system while ensuring the safety and security of passengers through proper registration andmonitoring.

Key Takeaways

• FCTA allows private car owners to operate as taxis in Abuja without painting their vehicles.
• Owners must register with relevant bodies, acquire unique ID and plate numbers, and participate in e-hailing scheme.
• E-hailing scheme includes registration with NIMC and DRTS, making it easier to trace drivers in case of issues.
• FCTA has zero tolerance for illegal parks and unpainted taxis, which fuel kidnappings and one-chance crimes.
• Proper registration and monitoring ensure safety and security of passengers in Abuja.