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Minister lauds Wike for constructing bus terminals in Abuja
Metro

Minister lauds Wike for constructing bus terminals in Abuja

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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

Bus terminal: Tinubu reaffirms commitment to safe, orderly public transport
Metro

Bus terminal: Tinubu reaffirms commitment to safe, orderly public transport

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By Philip Yatai

President Bola Tinubu, says his administration is taking decisive steps to bring order, accountability and safety in public transportation.

Tinubu stated this while inaugurating the newly constructed Mabushi Bus and Taxi Terminal in Abuja on Tuesday to celebrate his second year in office.

Represented by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Tajudeen Abass, the president noted that the nation’s capital had been grappling with the challenges of the informal transport system.

According to him, the development has led to traffic congestion and, regrettably, the menace of “one chance” crimes that have threatened the peace of our citizens.

“With the completion of the Mabushi Bus Terminal and the Kugbo terminal, we are taking decisive steps to bring order, accountability, and safety to public transportation.

“No longer will our citizens be left to the mercy of impromptu pick-up points; they will now have a secure, well-regulated environment to board their vehicles, knowing that both the drivers and the vehicles are known and registered.

“This is a critical stride in our broader efforts to clean up our city and enhance urban security.

“Beyond the immediate benefits of organised transport and heightened security, this project will also serve as a powerful engine for economic empowerment.”

He disclosed that the construction of the terminal, along with its sister projects, created over 3,000 direct and indirect jobs for the industrious people of Abuja.

“From skilled artisans to general laborers, this initiative has put food on tables and rekindled hope for countless families, demonstrating our administration’s dedication to job creation as a core component of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.

Tinubu described the terminal as not just a place to catch a bus but a “modern facility designed for the comfort and convenience of our people”.

He said that the terminal would feature integrated commercial activities, including areas for relaxation.

“I am particularly pleased to note the inclusion of amenities such as cinema halls where commuters can unwind, and other essential services.

“These are the state-of-the-art facilities that a capital city like Abuja truly deserves,” he said.

The president commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, for the laudable initiative.

He added that Wike’s vision, dedication, and relentless pursuit of excellence have been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition.

“His commitment to providing first-class infrastructure for Abuja is evident in the quality and speed of delivery we celebrate today.

“Today, 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,” Tinubu said.

Earlier, Wike said that the inauguration of the bus and taxi terminal marks a significant milestone in FCT Administration’s efforts to modernise transportation infrastructure in the territory.

The minister said that 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 added that the Kugbo terminal would be inaugurated next week while the one at Central Business Area would be inaugurated before the end of 2025.

“Additionally, we will construct new terminals in Gwagwalada, Bwari, and Kuje this year.

“The real essence of this project is to enhance security by reducing the number of unauthorised vehicles on the road.

“We are trying to eliminate the “one chance” syndrome, where commuters are vulnerable to attacks by unknown drivers.

“With this terminal, commuters will know the drivers and the vehicles they are boarding, making their journeys safer,” he said.

Wike added that the FCT Administration was also addressing the issue of indiscriminate parking on the roads.

According to him, the terminal will provide a safe and organised space for vehicles to park, thereby reducing congestion on the roads.

“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.

“However, the terminal will not be not be operated by the FCTA Transport Secretariat, but private operators who will run it efficiently.” (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Wike announces plans to overhaul FCT transport’s sector  
Metro

Wike announces plans to overhaul FCT transport’s sector  

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By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says plans have been concluded to introduce reforms in the FCT transportation sector to improve safety and comfort.

Wike said this in Abuja on Friday, after he inspected the completed Kugbo and Mabushi Bus and Taxi Terminals in preparation for inauguration to celebrate President Bola Tinubu second year in office.

The minister also inspected the completed access road to Giri District, which is also ready for inauguration.

Wike said that there would be a lot of reforms, adding that a lot of things would happen in the transportation sector in the FCT.

He said that a committee was already working on the reforms, which would be ready before the bus and taxi terminals would be inaugurated.

“Obviously a lot of things will happen in the transport sector in the FCT. There will be a lot of reforms

“Because as part of security measures, we must know those involved in taxi business and what colour to use, so that if anything happens, we will be able to identify them.

“Just be assured that we are doing everything possible to strengthen our transportation system,” he said.

The minister added that the FCT Administration was working to remove a lot of motor parks on the road.

Speaking of the quality of the project, Wike expressed satisfaction with the delivery of the project, adding however, that he has pointed out some areas that needs to be corrected.

He commended the contractor, which he said had done his best, and promised to continue to support local contractors to give the best to Nigerians.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Kugbo and Mabushi and Central Area Bus and Taxi Terminals were constructed as part of efforts to improve the transportation system in the FCT.

While that of Kugbo and Mabushi terminals were ready for inauguration, the one at central area is under construction.

The minister also revealed that two additional terminals would be constructed, one each in Bwari and Gwagwalada. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

How Wike’s bus terminal projects create 3,000 jobs for Abuja residents
Metro

How Wike’s bus terminal projects create 3,000 jobs for Abuja residents

825 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The ongoing construction of three bus and taxi terminals by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, has created more than 3,000 jobs for the residents of Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Wike in July 2024, inaugurated the construction of three bus and taxi terminals, one each in Mabushi, Central Area and Kugbo.

The move, according to the minister, is to ensure a secure and convenient travel experience for commuters in the FCT and create job opportunities for the residents.

Mr Rasheed Sholadoye, the Project Manager, Planet Projects, the company executing the projects, told NAN that the 3,000 workers comprised both skilled, unskilled artisans and security.

Sholadoye said that part of the conditions in the contract required the company to employ residents in the execution of the project as part of FCT Administration’s strategy for job creation.

“FCT residents have enjoyed enormously from this project. We have employed a whole lot of them.

“You know it’s a construction site and certain workers will be needed at certain stages of the construction.

“It’s difficult to give you an exact number but more than 3,000 residents have been engaged and more will be employed as the work progresses,” he said.

Kugbo Bus and Taxi Terminal, Abuja, at 85 per cent completion

He said that while the construction of the bus terminals in Mabushi and Kugbo commenced in July 2024, that of Central Area commenced two months later.

He explained that the delay followed the relocation of some underground facilities at the project site located close to eagle square.

The project manager expresses optimism that despite the delay, the projects were still on track and would be delivered as scheduled.

He disclosed that Mabushi bus terminal has reached 92 per cent completion stage, the Kugbo terminal at 85 per cent completion while that of Central Area at about 50 per cent.

“Hopefully with our schedule and programme of work, by the grace of God, the terminals in Mabushi and Kubo will be ready for inauguration by the end of February.

“On the other hand, the one in Central Area will be ready in May.

“The projects are all encompassing with commercial activities in all the terminals, including cinema halls, where people can relax while waiting for their bus.

“We are bringing state of the art facilities, especially the one in Central Area. It will be a terminal that the people of Abuja will love to see and enjoy,” he said.

29-year-old welder, Mr Happiness Johnson, working at Mabushi Bus and Taxi Terminal, Abuja

Some of the workers at the sites, who lauded the initiative, lauded Wike for putting food on their table.

One of them, a 29-year-old welder, Mr Happiness Johnson, who lives in Kubwa, said the project has provided him with a stable job.

Johnson, who thanked Wike for mandating the contractor to employ residents, said that the steady means of income significantly improved his standard of living.

On her part, a 31-year-old mother of four, Mrs Abigail Daniel, a cleaner at the Mabushi terminal, expressed optimism for a brighter future as a worker in the facility.

Daniel said she was working as a house help but lost the job when her employer travelled out of the country.

“Life was difficult for me and my children until I got this job. I am grateful to the FCT minister for making this happen for me,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

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