The Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has unveiled a comprehensive reform drive aimed at dismantling racketeering and touting in the issuance of vehicle number plates and registration processes across Abuja.
The agency acknowledged that touts have infiltrated its operations, sometimes with the collaboration of compromised personnel, thereby undermining transparency and efficiency in vehicle registration.
However, DRTS assured residents that decisive measures are underway to sanitise the system and restore public confidence without compromising operational standards.
Speaking in Abuja, the Director of DRTS, Abubakar Abdullahi Yeldu, disclosed that a well-organised cabal, working with some staff members, has gained notoriety for sabotaging the agency’s processes.
He also attributed part of the problem to vehicle owners who bypass official channels and patronise touts, often resulting in financial losses and invalid documentation.
According to Yeldu, the directorate has developed a comprehensive reform plan anchored on innovation, discipline, and efficiency, with tangible outcomes expected from the first quarter of 2026.
“I must commend my two immediate predecessors for their innovations, particularly the digitalisation of DRTS operations.
While there are challenges, including the Appeal Court judgment that limits our enforcement role, DRTS is not solely about enforcement. Enforcement is only a small aspect of our mandate,” he said.
Appeal Court Judgment and Revenue Challenges
Yeldu noted that the Appeal Court judgment barring DRTS from certain enforcement duties in the FCT posed a setback to its operations.
Nevertheless, he said the agency is taking proactive steps to strengthen its revenue base through strategic partnerships to meet financial obligations and contribute meaningfully to the FCT and national economy.
He explained that DRTS continues to collaborate with sister agencies to manage traffic and road safety, particularly at major entry and exit points into Abuja, including Kugbo, Airport Road, Zuba, Dei-Dei, Dutse Alhaji, and Galadimawa, which experience heavy vehicular traffic during peak hours.
Staffing, Deployment, and Traffic Management
The DRTS director revealed that the agency has over 1,000 staff deployed across critical locations such as Abaji, Kershi, Zuba, and Maraba, bordering Kogi, Nasarawa, Kaduna, and Niger states.
He added that, despite limited resources, personnel are being strategically deployed to manage congestion and enhance road safety.
Addressing public misconceptions, Yeldu stressed that DRTS is not established solely for enforcement duties. He noted that its personnel also participate in joint task force operations, including the removal of illegal shanties and the dismantling of criminal hideouts along major highways in the FCT.
“You will see someone who buys a vehicle worth over ₦20 million but refuses to properly register it, which costs between ₦56,000 and ₦100,000. Proper registration is critical for licensing, security, and the overall safety of road users,” he said.
On the rising cases of traffic violations, Yeldu lamented the growing trend of motorists driving against traffic and selectively circulating videos on social media when confronted by officials, often without proper context.
He described racketeering in number plate issuance as a major challenge driven largely by artificial scarcity and hoarding, which fuels desperation among vehicle owners.
“Scarcity pushes people to seek alternative means. Some individuals deliberately hoard number plates to create monopolies. We are working closely with agencies such as the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Nigeria Police to end this practice,” he stated.
Yeldu added that efforts are ongoing to flush touts from DRTS offices and their environs, admitting that identification remains difficult due to insider collaboration.
“We are blocking all loopholes and putting serious measures in place to clip their wings. Going forward, residents will get full value for the services they pay for,” he assured.
Advisory to Motorists
As the yuletide season peaks, the DRTS boss advised motorists to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy, avoid using worn-out tyres, and adhere strictly to speed limits.
“Over-speeding is dangerous. Only those who are alive will celebrate. There is no need to endanger your life or that of others,” Yeldu cautioned, urging motorists to adopt traffic discipline as part of their New Year resolutions.
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