FRSC arrests over 250 FCT taxi drivers for overloading

More than 250 commercial vehicle drivers have been apprehended in the Federal Capital Territory for violating a directive that mandates only one passenger in the front seat of taxis, the Federal Road Safety Corps disclosed.

The FCT Sector Commander, Corps Commander Felix Theman, disclosed this in a statement signed by the Command’s Public Education Officer Helen Ntaji, on Saturday in Abuja.

The statement noted that the arrests came within the first two days of a new enforcement campaign launched by the FCT Command of the FRSC on October 2, aimed at curbing overloading in commercial transport and restoring compliance with vehicle safety standards.

According to the statement, Theman said the operation was a decisive step toward restoring passenger dignity and safety on the roads.

“One of my key priorities upon assumption of office was the restoration of passenger dignity and safety through strict adherence to road safety laws.

“Enforcement is the most civil and effective means to ensure that safety is not compromised for convenience.

“In the first two days of the operation, over 250 commercial vehicles and drivers were apprehended for violating the directive mandating only one passenger in the front seat of taxis – in accordance with vehicle design specifications,” Theman stated.

The FRSC noted that overloading — especially placing two passengers in the front seat — makes it impossible for seatbelts to be used properly and compromises overall vehicle safety.

Theman warned that such practices not only endanger lives but also put additional stress on tyres and suspension systems and reduce driver control, particularly in emergencies.

“The overloading of passengers and goods not only endangers lives by making seatbelt use impossible.

“But also places undue stress on vehicle tyres and suspension systems. Additionally, it impairs the driver’s ability to control the vehicle effectively, especially in emergency situations,” he explained.

To prepare for the crackdown, the Command held months of consultations with transport unions and stakeholders across the FCT.

According to the FRSC, the unions have expressed full support for the operation and pledged to promote safer driving practices among their members.

The enforcement is being carried out in conjunction with mobile magistrate courts, which allow for the on-the-spot prosecution of offenders.

Theman also used the opportunity to warn commercial drivers operating unsafe vehicles to either upgrade their vehicles or risk having them impounded.

“Passengers and commuters must support the FRSC’s efforts to uphold their rights to safe and dignified transportation.

“All commercial drivers operating vehicles that fall below minimum safety standards must upgrade their vehicles or risk immediate impoundment,” he said.

The FRSC said full activation of mobile court locations across the FCT will begin on Monday, October 6, to intensify the enforcement and bring greater order to the city’s transport system.

Online reports FRSC had said no fewer than 620,000 Traffic offenders across the country between January 2024 and July 2025.

Spokesperson for the corps, Olusegun Ogungbemide, who confirmed the figure, said it included 350,536 violations recorded between January and June 2024, and nearly 300,000 fresh infractions documented from January to July 2025.