The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has explained how owners of private cars can use them for taxi services without having to paint them.

This is contrary to the belief that only owners of painted taxes are legally permitted to ply their trade in the nation’s capital.

The Administration advised those interested in using their vehicles for commercial purposes to go through laid down procedures.

Some of the processes include proper registration of private cars with relevant bodies and the acquisition of unique identification and vehicle plate numbers for the vehicles.

The Head of Operations, FCT Directorate of Road Traffic Service (DRTS), Deborah Osho, disclosed this during the clampdown on illegal taxi operators on Friday.

Osho said: “DRTS has a scheme called e-hailing, under which you have Uber and Bolt, among others.

“You will have a unique number plate that will be given to you. Your vehicle may not be painted but you are registered with NIMC and DRTS, and there is no way you can be involved in one chance because we and other relevant agencies will have your data,” she said.

She warned that “If you cannot go through that process to become an e-hailing driver, then you choose to do other business.”

Osho said over 20 vehicles were impounded during the operations which took place in Area 3, Apo Interchange under the bridge and the Three Arms Zone, saying the defaulting drivers would face mobile court for prosecution.

Earlier, the Secretary of the Command-and-Control Unit, FCTA Department of Security Services, Dr Peter Olumuji, reiterated the commitment of the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and the FCT Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh, to securing lives and property in the FCT. (Daily Trust)

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