Transport union leaders in Abuja have urged the government to prioritise vehicle provision for commercial drivers instead of offering loan facilities, arguing that direct access to buses and cars would deliver more impact and reduce misuse of funds.
The call was made during an outreach programme held at Jabi Park, where transport operators gathered for free eye screenings and drug abuse sensitisation. The event was attended by officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration and members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), FCT branch.
Assistant Secretary of the NURTW in the FCT, Mr. Isiaka Abdullahi, openly rejected the idea of soft loans for drivers, insisting that vehicles would provide a more practical and accountable form of support.
“We don’t need a loan; we want vehicles. This is better. Some drivers will collect loans to go and marry other wives. Give us vehicles, we will not owe you any money. We will pay you back as scheduled,” he said.
Abdullahi explained that structured vehicle schemes would ensure repayment through daily or weekly remittances, while also guaranteeing that the support is used strictly for transportation business. According to him, providing vehicles directly would eliminate the risk of diversion and help drivers focus on improving their livelihoods.
Union leaders also raised concerns about multiple levies imposed on drivers across the capital city, describing double taxation as an additional burden affecting their earnings. They called on authorities to harmonise taxes and create a more supportive operating environment for transport workers.
The outreach programme also featured health and safety discussions. Representatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency warned drivers about the dangers of drug abuse, linking substance misuse to road accidents, violence, poor judgment, and long-term health complications.
Officials said drug abuse could result in addiction, depression, anxiety, heart disease, liver damage, and financial strain due to medical bills and loss of income.
Despite these broader discussions, union representatives maintained that access to vehicles remains their top priority, stressing that practical empowerment through assets, not loans, would bring lasting stability to drivers and the transport sector in the FCT.
