Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has declared that the newly constructed bus terminals in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are fitted with state-of-the-art facilities that a capital city like Abuja truly deserves.
President Tinubu, who noted that the bus terminals will feature integrated commercial activities, including areas for relaxation, was particularly pleased with the inclusion of amenities such as cinema halls where commuters can unwind, and other essential services.
Speaking while inaugurating the Mabushi Bus Terminal, one of three such facilities in FCT, the President, who was represented by Speaker of House of Representatives of Nigeria, Tajudeen Abbas, commended the FCT Minister, Mr. Nyesom Wike for having the vision, dedication, and relentless pursuit of excellence, which have been instrumental in bringing the project to fruition.
He added that Wike’s commitment to providing first-class infrastructure for Abuja is evident in the quality and speed of project delivery, adding that beyond the immediate benefits of organised transport and heightened security, the project will also serve as a powerful engine for economic empowerment.
According to him, “With the completion of the Mabushi Bus Terminal and the Kugbo terminal, which I have been informed is also ready for commissioning, we are taking decisive steps to bring order, accountability, and safety to public transportation.
“As we inaugurate the Mabushi Bus Terminal, we are not just opening a building; we are opening a new chapter for public transportation in Abuja. We are reaffirming our promise to provide a city where citizens can live, work, and commute with dignity, safety, and efficiency. This is a clear demonstration that our Renewed Hope Agenda is not merely a slogan, but a lived experience for our people.
“I urge all residents and transporters to make full use of this facility, to cooperate with the authorities, and to embrace this new era of organised and secure public transit.”
Earlier, in his welcome address, the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, reiterated that the real essence of the project is to enhance security by reducing the number of unauthorised vehicles, thereby reducing congestion on the roads.
He however, said: “This terminal will not be operated by the FCT Transport Secretariat instead, we will concession it to private operators, who will run it efficiently.
“The terminal will operate 24 hours a day, providing commuters with a safe and comfortable space to wait for their buses. There will be amenities such as food courts, restrooms, and entertainment facilities.”
He also thanked President Tinubu and the National Assembly for their support in making the project a reality.
It was gathered that the Planet Projects, contractors for the construction of the terminal, along with its sister projects, created over 3,000 direct and indirect jobs for skilled artisans to general labourers, mainly in Abuja.
Transportation Minister Lauds Wike
The Minister of Transportation, Mr Said Alkali, has also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, for constructing three bus and taxi terminals in Abuja.
Alkali gave the commendation in Abuja on Tuesday during the inauguration of the completed Mabushi Bus and Taxi Terminal, constructed by the Wike-led Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
He described it as a “landmark achievement” and assured the ministry’s support through collaboration to sustain the efforts.
The Minister added that the laudable initiative would no doubt improve public transport and boost economic activities in the territory.
“it will also provide veritable avenue that will facilitate the realisation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which placed transportation on top of its priorities.”
He appealed to relevant stakeholders, especially the leadership of various road transport unions to maximise the potential of the terminal.
According to him, effective utilisation of the facility will encourage government to do more for the welfare of the people, dignity of road users and transport operators.
The Minister disclosed that President Bola Tinubu has approved the construction of six bus terminals, one in each of the geopolitical zones in the country.
Alkali said the terminals would be constructed in Abeokuta, Ogun State (South West; Onitsha in Anambra State (South East); Warri in Delta State (South-South); Lokoja in Kogi State (North Central); Gombe in Gombe State (North East); and Kano in Kano State (North West).
He explained that the choice of the locations was influenced by their strategic commercial viability and the need to boost economic growth and inclusive development through provision of modern transport facility in the respective zones.
He commended Tinubu for supporting the development of the transport sector in multi-faceted ways.
According to him, this is the first time in the history of the country that the Federal Government has made investment of such magnitude in the transport sector, apart from rail and road.
He appreciated the visionary leadership of Tinubu for prioritising the development of transportation as a globally recognised enabler of economic growth and gateway to the nation’s economy.
For his part, Wike said the FCT Administration inaugurated the construction of three bus and taxi terminals in 2024, one in Mabushi, one in Central Business Area and another in Kugbo.
He said that the Kugbo terminal would be inaugurated next week, while the one at Central Business Area would be inaugurated before the end of 2025 adding that three additional bus and taxi terminals would be constructed, with one each in Gwagwalada, Bwari and Kuje this year.
According to him, the essence of the terminals is to enhance security by reducing the number of vehicles on the road.
“We are trying to eliminate the `one chance’ syndrome where commuters are vulnerable to attacks by unknown drivers,” he added.
Earlier, the Mandate Secretary, Transportation Secretariat, FCT Administration, Mr Chinedum Elechi, described the bus and taxi terminal as “first of its kind” in the territory.
Elechi added that the terminal, built on 1.8 hectares of land, was designed to operate for 24 hours for both intercity and intracity transportation saying “the project was awarded in May 2024 for completion in 15 months but was completed in 10 months. The terminal has among other facilities an escalator, ticketing booths, shops, cinemas, restaurants and a family room for nursing mothers.”
To ensure security, the mandate secretary said that 45 closed-circuit television cameras have been installed in strategic locations within the terminal.