From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has announced that the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) will establish new bus terminals in the Bwari and Gwagwalada Area Councils to improve transportation within the FCT.
According to a statement issued by the Assistant Director of Press, Rabi Umar, the minister revealed this yesterday in Abuja during an inspection of the extensive renovation works at the International Conference Centre (ICC) and the upgrades of Ushafa, War College, and Army Checkpoint roads in the Bwari Area Council.
Following the inspection, Wike disclosed that the new bus terminals planned for the satellite towns will work alongside the existing city centre facilities to significantly improve transportation for residents. He reiterated that these terminals would be vital in tackling the persistent issue of car robbery, often known as “one chance.”
His words: “We have agreed that we are going to establish one bus terminal in Gwagwalada and one in Bwari. This will ensure that people can safely and securely travel from Bwari and Gwagwalada to various parts of the city, including Mabushi, Kugbo, and the Central Business District bus terminal. By providing these designated terminals, we aim to eliminate the problem of ‘one chance’ and ensure the safety of commuters”.
Wike highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to bridging the infrastructural gaps in the FCT, stressing that the focus of the “Renewed Hope Agenda” extends beyond the city centre to include the development of satellite towns.
He highlighted the ongoing 12-kilometer road project linking the entire Ushafa area and the ongoing dualization of the Kuje-Gwagwalada road as testaments to this commitment.
“The government of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu is particularly concerned about and paying attention to the satellite towns,” the Minister affirmed, adding that rural transformation is key to the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President.
Wike also emphasized that the major upgrade of the International Conference Centre aligns with President Tinubu’s directive to provide Nigerians with world-class facilities.
He highlighted the long-term benefits of infrastructure development in the FCT, explaining that it will reduce travel times from the satellite towns to the city and encourage more people to live in these towns, thereby easing congestion in the city centre.
He stated that the provision of basic amenities in the satellite towns aims to curb rural-to-urban migration, which he noted is largely driven by the lack of infrastructure in rural areas.
“It will be a different thing, and people will no longer be compelled to live in the cities”, the minister said.