From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike announced on Tuesday that the construction of three major bus terminals in Mabushi, Kugbo, and the Central Business District will transform Abuja’s transportation system by enhancing security and reducing traffic congestion.
Speaking to reporters after inspecting the Mabushi and Kugbo terminals and the access road to the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal in Dakibiyu, Wike expressed satisfaction with the progress.
“You will agree with me that the bus terminal is a basic intervention for us to change our transport system,” Wike said, as reported by Assistant Director of Press, Rabi Umar.
The minister noted the terminals’ role in curbing the “one chance” robbery scheme, where criminals posing as drivers rob passengers. “You don’t need to stay on the road. You will go to the bus terminals, and then we will know the drivers and the vehicles you have boarded. That, of course, will limit this car robbery, popularly known as ‘one chance’,” he explained.
Wike noted improvements at the Mabushi terminal after previously criticising substandard finishing. “There is an improvement, and I commend the contractor. When we went there the last time, I shouted at them that I’m not happy with the finishing. From what I have seen now, there is a lot of improvements,” he stated. He added that the terminals aim to eliminate makeshift motor parks, streamlining urban transport.
Regarding commissioning, Wike clarified that the projects, including the Dakibiyu road, are slated for inauguration around President Bola Tinubu’s second anniversary in May 2025, with exact dates subject to the President’s schedule.
“You can’t commission the whole projects on May 29. I have said that it will take us two weeks to commission the completed projects,” he said.
Wike attributed progress to prudent financial management and Tinubu’s support. “We don’t just go and award contracts for the sake of awarding contracts. We award contracts based on the resources we have, and with the little taxes we are collecting,” he noted.
The terminals align with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to modernise public transportation and improve commuter safety.