The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) says it will construct additional modern bus and taxi terminals across Abuja as part of efforts to eliminate illegal motor parks, improve passenger safety and build an efficient public transport system.
The Mandate Secretary of the FCTA Transportation Secretariat, Mr Chinedum Elechi, disclosed this on Thursday while briefing journalists on the operationalisation of the Mabushi and Central Business District (CBD) Bus and Taxi Terminals.
Elechi said the initiative forms part of the administration’s broader urban renewal agenda aimed at transforming Abuja into a modern capital city with a safe, organised and reliable transportation network.
He explained that the government would continue to provide funding for new transport terminals in strategic locations to meet the growing mobility needs of residents.
According to him, the newly completed terminals at Mabushi and Kugbo are dedicated to intercity travel, while the Central Business District terminal is designed to serve commuters within the city.
“The terminals are strategically located to provide passengers with safe, secure and comfortable environments for boarding and disembarking.
“Whether you are travelling to Aba, Lokoja, Owerri or Sokoto, you should not have to rely on unsafe roadside loading points that expose commuters to criminal activities, including the notorious ‘one chance’ robberies,” he said.
Elechi noted that the current terminals represent only the first phase of the FCTA’s transport modernisation programme, adding that more facilities had already been captured in the administration’s development plans under the leadership of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr Nyesom Wike.
He said the administration was determined to replace the existing informal transport system with properly regulated transit hubs that meet international standards.
Drawing comparisons with successful transport reforms elsewhere, Elechi said cities across the world had phased out chaotic roadside loading points in favour of organised transport terminals.
He cited the transformation of Oshodi in Lagos as evidence that sustained government investment could create a safer and more efficient transport environment.
“If Lagos could transform Oshodi into a modern transport hub, there is no reason Abuja cannot achieve the same standard. The Federal Capital Territory must reflect the image of a well-planned and organised capital,” he said.
Elechi explained that the terminals would serve as central transport hubs connected to surrounding communities through an integrated last-mile transport system involving buses, taxis and licensed e-hailing services.
He said the arrangement would ensure that passengers arriving from long-distance journeys could easily and safely continue to their final destinations.
“You cannot have a bus terminal in every neighbourhood, just as you cannot build an airport everywhere. These terminals are designed as central hubs, while local transport services provide seamless connections to different parts of the city,” he added.
The mandate secretary called on transport operators and commuters to support the initiative, describing it as a critical step towards improving safety, reducing congestion and promoting a cleaner and more orderly Federal Capital Territory.
He reaffirmed the FCTA’s commitment to expanding modern transport infrastructure in line with the administration’s vision of making Abuja a world-class capital with a secure, efficient and sustainable public transportation system.
