NURTW to resolve controversy over restriction on painted commercial vehicles in FCT
NAN-H-106
Vehicles
By Taiye Elebiyo-Edeni
Abuja, Feb. 21, 2017(NAN) The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) says the controversy surrounding the restriction on painted commercial vehicles in some designated areas within the FCT will soon be resolved.
Alhaji Isah Usman, Chairman of the FCT Chapter of the union, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.
Usman said series of meetings were ongoing between the FCT transport secretariat, Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO), unions and all the major stakeholders to resolve the issue.
The Chairman said that unregistered commercial vehicles could not be banned from operations because commuters needed them in areas where painted vehicles were restricted from entry.
“Before the painting of commercial vehicles was introduced, a meeting was held by the transport secretariat where all the major stakeholders, including owners of estates and hotels, had agreed that all registered commercial vehicles should be painted and should not be restricted.
“But after the implementation, painted vehicles were restricted in some malls, hotels, organisations and some estates.
“It actually discouraged the drivers from painting their taxis, a development that has given rise to kidnapping and other social vices in the territory.
“But with the series of meetings going on, the issue will be resolved soon and all commercial drivers must register under any of the transport operators,’’ he said.
Usman further explained that the committee inaugurated in 2016 was to control traffic and ensure that drivers used the designated bus stops and motor parks.
He, however, said that the committee is doing a great job especially at the branch level. (NAN)
TY/DOR/AFA
Edited by Nyisom Dore/Felix Ajide