The Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS) for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) don announce fresh moves to end racketeering and touting wey dey affect vehicle number plate issuance and registration for Abuja and surrounding areas.
The agency admit say touts don enter the system, sometimes with help from some bad staff, a situation wey don compromise proper vehicle registration and service delivery.
However, DRTS assure residents say dem don take decisive steps to clean up the system and restore order without lowering operational standards.
Appeal Court Ruling No Go Stop DRTS Reform
DRTS also acknowledge say the Appeal Court judgment wey stop the agency from enforcement duties for FCT affect operations, but insist say dem dey reposition to strengthen their revenue base through partnerships and still contribute to the FCT and national economy.
Speaking for Abuja, DRTS Director, Abubakar Abdullahi Yeldu, say a well-known cabal working with some staff members don gain notoriety for sabotaging the system.
He also blame some vehicle owners, wey dey avoid official process and prefer to patronise touts, only to end up getting defrauded.
Reforms to Yield Results by 2026
According to Yeldu, DRTS don design a comprehensive reform plan built on innovation, discipline and efficiency, with visible results expected from the first quarter of 2026.
“I commend my two immediate predecessors for their innovations, including digitalising DRTS operations. Yes, we face challenges like the Appeal Court ruling, but enforcement na just small part of our job,” Yeldu talk.
He explain say DRTS dey work with other agencies to manage traffic and road safety, especially for busy entry and exit points like Kugbo, Airport Road, Zuba, Dei-Dei, Dutse Alhaji and Galadimawa, where traffic dey heavy during peak periods.
Over 1,000 Staff Deployed Across FCT Borders
Yeldu reveal say DRTS get over 1,000 staff deployed across areas like Abaji, Kershi, Zuba and Maraba, wey border Kogi, Nasarawa, Kaduna and Niger states.
Despite limited resources, he say the agency dey deploy manpower strategically to control congestion and improve road safety.
He also clarify say many people wrongly think say DRTS na only enforcement agency, adding say dem dey also join task force operations to remove shanties and dismantle criminal hideouts along major roads.
Number Plate Hoarding, Artificial Scarcity Under Watch
The DRTS boss describe racketeering for number plate issuance as serious problem, driven mainly by artificial scarcity and hoarding.
“Some people dey deliberately hoard number plates to create monopoly, force desperation among vehicle owners. We dey work with FRSC and Police to stop this practice,” he say.
Yeldu admit say flushing touts out of DRTS offices dey challenging because dem dey collaborate with insiders, but assure say all loopholes dey blocked.
“Going forward, anybody wey pay for service go get full value,” he add.
Yuletide Advice to Motorists
As festive season approach, Yeldu advise motorists make dem ensure say their vehicles dey roadworthy, avoid using worn-out tyres and obey speed limits.
“Over-speeding na dangerous. Na only person wey dey alive go celebrate. No put your life or others for risk,” he warn, urging drivers make traffic discipline be part of their New Year resolutions.
