By Philip Yatai

The Minister of Transportation, Mr Said Alkali, has 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 “landmark achievement” and assured the ministry’s support through collaboration to sustain the efforts.

He added that the laudable initiative would no doubt improve public transport and boost economic activities in the territory.

The minister said “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.

On 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.

He added 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.

Ealier, Mr Chinedum Elechi, the Mandate Secretary, Transportation Secretariat, FCT Administration, 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.

He said that the project was awarded in May 2024 for completion in 15 months but was completed in 10 months.

He said that 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. (NAN)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu