The Directorate of Road Traffic Services has revealed its dedication to launching a new e-ticketing and central booking system to modernize road management for motorists within Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, he DRTS Director, detailed the project’s goals, Mr. Abdulateef Bello, highlighting the agency’s commitment to reducing and eventually eliminating face-to-face interactions between DRTS officials and drivers on FCT roads.
The initiative is set to digitize the entire process of traffic monitoring and penalty issuance.
“Some of these companies were engaged on a Proof of Concept basis, initially installing their devices at strategic locations in the FCT and demonstrating their ability to interpret infractions and administer penalties,” Bello stated.
To implement this advanced system, the DRTS has collaborated with several tech companies specializing in electronic traffic management and penalty processing systems.
Following the successful demonstration of this technology, Bello explained that the DRTS would seek the necessary regulatory approvals.
“Following this, we’ll seek regulatory approval, submit it to the Abuja Investment Company for analysis, and then proceed to the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission before formal procurement,” he said. While the director acknowledged that regulatory steps must be observed, he projected the initial rollout of the system to be completed by the first quarter of next year.
Bello further emphasized that electronic enforcement will allow for a proactive approach to improving road safety in the FCT.
“The question of whether vehicle inspection officers will be in conflict with the motoring public will soon be a thing of the past, as we are diligently working towards this goal; it’s a work in progress,” he noted.
Through this system, motorists committing infractions will receive instant alerts on their phones—providing a description of the offence, the associated fine, and payment instructions—all while continuing their journeys, as long as their vehicles are registered in the FCT.
In addressing operational hurdles, Bello acknowledged the ongoing appeal against a recent court ruling that restricted DRTS officers from impounding vehicles found in violation.
Despite this, he noted that officers are receiving extensive training on the e-ticketing system, and those on the roads are actively working to ease traffic flow.
Furthermore, DRTS officers are equipped with the Abuja Inspector App, a digital tool that helps verify motorists’ compliance in real time.
Under the guidance of the current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, the DRTS remains committed to effective road traffic management.
Bello urged motorists to stay compliant by keeping vehicle registrations, driver’s licenses, and other necessary documents updated.
“This is because the DRTS is working hard to transform its operations to provide efficient services befitting the FCT’s status,” he said.
To further this transformation, Bello added that the DRTS is aiming for a paperless vehicle administration system, which will be included in the budget for the upcoming year, marking a significant step towards digitalizing the agency’s operations in line with global standards.
