NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Days of empty promises, abandoned projects over in FCT – Tinubu
Metro

Days of empty promises, abandoned projects over in FCT – Tinubu

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By Philip Yatai and Uche Bibilari

President Bola Tinubu says the days of empty promises and abandoned projects in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and other parts of the country are over.

Tinubu stated this in Abuja on Friday, while inaugurating the newly rehabilitated Aguma Palace, Radio Nigeria, New Market Road and other connecting roads in Gwagwalada.

The project was the 17th, inaugurated by Tinubu to celebrate his second year in office.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the president assured Nigerians that no community under his administration was too far to be seen, and no voice too faint to be heard.

He added that his administration was steadily bridging the gap between promise and performance.

He said that the projects being unveiled in the FCT were not imposed from above but nominated by the people of Gwagwalada themselves.

“This is the kind of democracy we believe in; one that listens, one that responds, and one that delivers.

“The road is a corridor of dignity for the market women, a path to safety for our school children, and a road to prosperity for the hard-working trader.

“We are not just building infrastructure; we are building confidence and governance.

“For too long, those who lived beyond the city centre have watched development happen from a distance.

“They have watched their dreams of inclusion delayed by excuses, and their hopes defied by shifting priorities; we are here to rewrite that history,” he said.

Tinubu said that his government was not just rehabilitating roads but rehabilitating trust.

According to him, the transformation unfolding across the FCT is the product of deliberate reforms and the bold reform-oriented policies of this administration.

“By expanding the revenue base of the FCT, we are investing in roads, schools, hospitals, and people.

“The newly rehabilitated Aguma Palace, Radio Nigeria, and New Market Road is a lifeline to the communities it connects.

“From rehabilitated healthcare centres to improved learning environments for our children, from safer roads to a more responsible public service, the FCT is undergoing a quiet revolution.”

He said that the revolution was made possible by people like the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who refused to accept mediocrity.

Describing Wike as the most colourful politician in the Nigerian political landscape, the president thanked the minister for his accomplishments so far.

Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to projects that speak directly to the lives of the people.

“We are focused on creating an enabling environment for businesses to grow, for families to thrive, and for communities to prosper.

“We are determined to ensure that development is not a privilege reserved for the few, but a right enjoyed by all,” he added.

In his remarks, Wike said that the 10-kilometre road was nominated by the residents of Gwagwalada, including the 9.5km Paikon-Kore Road, constructed and inaugurated in 2024.

“One good thing about the projects in rural areas is that, we never sat in the city and said, go and do so, so, road.

“We came here and the people said, this is what we want. This is what we call community participation in governance.

“The day we came here for the flag off of this project was the day I knew the importance of these roads to the residents of Gwagwalada. The road had completely collapsed and the people were suffering,” he said.

Acknowledging the excitement on the faces of Gwagwalada residents, the minister commended Tinubu for supporting the FCT Administration to deliver life-impacting projects in satellite towns.

The FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, described the various projects inaugurated by Tinubu in the last 16 days “as enablers of economic growth, social harmony, and improved quality of life”.

“The inauguration of this road is a demonstration of our dedication to inclusive governance and infrastructure renewal in both urban and rural communities,” Mahmoud said.

Earlier, Mr Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, the Coordinator of the FCT Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD), said that the project was awarded in September 2024 to a local contractor.

Zulkiflu added that the completion and inauguration of the road marks a significant advancement in the FCT’s efforts to improve infrastructure in satellite towns and area councils, which reflect Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agender”.

He thanked Wike for the trust placed on STDD to manage and oversee the execution of the project. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

FCT primary teachers to call off strike following Wike’s intervention  
Metro

FCT primary teachers to call off strike following Wike’s intervention  

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By Philip Yatai

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Federal Capital Territory (FCT), may soon call off the three-month primary school teachers’ strike, following the intervention of the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

Chief of Staff to the minister, Mr Chidi Amadi disclosed this in Abuja on Thursday, after a closed-door meeting with the area council chairmen, leadership of the NUT, and representatives of the FCT Administration.

Other participants at the meeting, he said, included representatives of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANs) and the National Assembly.

Amadi explained that the meeting was convened by the minister, in addition to previous interventions to find a lasting solution to the prolonged teachers’ strike.

According to him, after extensive deliberation, a decision was reached to put the issues to rest.

He announced that part of the resolution was to withhold the 10 per cent accrued Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the area councils for the past six months.

He explained that the funds would be used to settle 70 per cent of the minimum wage owed the teachers.

“Although it will not cover 100 per cent of the debt for now, it will cover about 70 per cent. This is a laudable move towards addressing the fracas once and for all.

The chief of staff added that the minister had also directed that a Special Committee be constituted, composed of three members of NUT, two members from FCTA, one of the area council chairmen and representative of NANs.

He added that the committee would revisit all the other outstanding issues and within the next two weeks, submit a report detailing how the other outstanding issues would be permanently addressed.

“In addition to addressing the issues of the primary school teachers, Wike had taken a decision to address all outstanding issues of the local government employees.

“The minister pledged to personally intervene to ensure that their demands are addressed by the FCTA.

“This is to ensure that the area councils resume full operations effectively immediately.

Speaking on behalf of the area council chairmen, Mr Abubakar Abdullahi, acknowledged the resolution, saying “although it was not in favour of the area councils, it was necessary to resolve the issues.

“Six months of our IGR had been held to settle this issue. Ours at this point is to appeal to NUT to consider our children and call off the strike.

“Please NUT, we are calling on you to respect the fact that the minister has taken his time to resolve this matter.

“Wike had clearly stated that by law, he has no right to take the 10 per cent IGR of the area councils to clear the outstanding debt of the teachers.

“However, the chairmen have all agreed because they also, collectively, want an end to the strike and so we have agreed that the 10 per cent IGR should go to the teachers”.

He expressed optimism that the strike would be called off before Friday, so that children would go back to school.

Also, the National President of NANs, Olushola Oladoja, lauded the resolutions and expressed hope that the outcome would finally put the matter to rest and the teachers return to class.

Oladoja commended the minister for taking the bold step, stressing that any of the council chairmen could take him to court over such a decision.

“However, I believe because the council chairmen also want the issue resolved, they have no option but to concede the IGR for six months,” he said.

On his part, the NUT Chairman, Mohammed Shafa, acknowledged the deliberation, but said he would get back to the NUT State Executive Council, where the final decision would be taken.

The news Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the teachers had embarked on the strike in March over non-implementation of minimum wage

Other issues included non-implementation and payment of 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increase, and non-implementation and payment of 40 per cent peculiar allowance.

The union were also demanding the payment of the N35,000 wage award and the implementation of the template on outstanding entitlements of teachers as agreed in 2022. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

FCTA pledges justice for 14-year-old girl allegedly raped by cleric 
Health

FCTA pledges justice for 14-year-old girl allegedly raped by cleric 

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By Philip Yatai

The Women Affairs Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has vowed to ensure justice for a 14-year-old girl allegedly raped by a cleric in Gwagwalada.

The cleric, Pst. Amos Isah, currently in police custody, is the founder and lead pastor of Prophetic Victory Voice of Fire Ministry in Gwagwalada, Abuja.

The Mandate Secretary of the secretariat, Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, said in a statement in Abuja on Thursday, that the administration would pursue the case to a logical conclusion.

Declaring zero tolerance to rape in the FCT, Benjamins-Laniyi reiterated the administration’s commitment to protecting, preserving and safeguarding the rights and the dignity of all children in the FCT.

“This commitment is in tandem with Section 1 of the Child Rights Act Act, 2003.

“FCT will not harbour and provide a safe haven for any paedophile, whoever he or she may be when caught.

“We will ensure that justice is served at all times when the rights of our children are violated,” she added.

She said that the secretariat was already in contact with relevant stakeholders in the pursuit of justice to the rape survivor.

“I am following up with the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria and President of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, FCT Chapter over the issue.

“I have also gone to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution to the Federation and Deputy Commissioner of Police Rita Emesim, in-charge of Gender, all in pursuit of justice to the rape survivor.

“I have equally directed the Director, Child Department of the Women’s Affairs Secretariat to visit the family of the victim.

“The director had visited the family, discussed and assured them of the FCTA’s commitment to get justice for their only daughter,” she said.

Benjamins-Laniyi assured residents that the matter was being handled by the FCT Administration with all the commitment it deserved.

This, she said, was in line with FCT’s zero tolerance to all forms of gender-based violence and rape.

“Whoever perpetrates such acts, no matter how highly placed, will be prosecuted and face the wrath of the law with no fear or favour.

“The matter of adolescent girls is a priority intervention for the women affair’s secretariat because of their vulnerability at that stage in their development.

“This is a priority for us. We shall follow it through. Nobody will be covered,” she said.

The mandate secretary also warned that a legal action would be taken against those sharing the picture of the survivor on social media.

She particularly called on one Isaiah Gbangbala, a social media influencer to stop posting the victim’s picture on his face book page in an attempt to discredit her, describing it as simply “cyberbullying”.

According to her, the girl and her parents are already traumatised with ongoing negative social media campaigns compounding their mental state.

“The survivor is not only traumatised but also facing serious health challenges after the incident.

“She had been bleeding accompanied by severe pains and had to be pulled out of school and rushed to the hospital for medical attention.”

On her part, Emesim assured residents that hopefully by Thursday, the suspect would be charged to court.

She dismissed social media claims that the police was keeping the suspect without charging him to court and considering releasing him saying, “this is a rape case and rape is a federal offence.

“We cannot charge a rape case to a Magistrate Court, it has to be in a Federal High Court and it is not just charging a case to court, we need conviction and for us to get conviction, we need to do due diligence,” she said.

She said that the matter was being handled without prejudice to the accused, adding that if convicted would bear the brunt of the law.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the suspect, Isah was detained by the police following a petition by the victim and her parents, alleging that the suspect lured her into his office and raped her on May 26.

The victim, a Senior Secondary School II student and member of the church’s Media Unit further alleged that following the rape, her hymen broke and she began bleeding from her vagina.

She added that on seeing this, the suspect gave her N3,000 and threatened to kill her if she revealed the incident to anyone. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Tinubu excited over FCT’s engagement of local contractors in projects execution 
Metro

Tinubu excited over FCT’s engagement of local contractors in projects execution 

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By Philip Yatai

President Bola Tinubu has expressed excitement over the engagement of indigenous contractors in the delivery of roads and other projects in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Tinubu gave the nod in Abuja on Wednesday, while inaugurating the dualised and upgraded Ushafa to War College/Army Checkpoint roads and other ancillary roads in the Bwari Area Council.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu described the development as remarkable and worthy of celebration.

He said that the road projects being inaugurated were awarded to an indigenous contractor, adding that the decision by the administration was deliberate.

“It was born out of our belief in the competence, resilience, and ingenuity of Nigerian professionals and businesses.

“We are not just building roads; we are building capacity; we are creating jobs; we are fostering a sense of ownership and pride within our communities.

“Above all, we are demonstrating unequivocally that, given the right support and enabling environment, Nigerian contractors can deliver infrastructure that rivals the best in the world.

“This project, therefore, is not just a success story of development; it is a clear declaration that the Nigerian spirit is alive, capable, and ready to deliver excellence,” he said.

Tinubu noted that for too long, the journey between Ushafa and the War College and Army Checkpoint had been a test of endurance.

He added that every commuter, every trader, every student and every health worker, who has travelled this road had borne the burden of delay and difficulties.

“That story changes today. With this project, we have transformed a path of frustration into a corridor of opportunity.

“The dualised and upgraded roads would not only ease traffic congestion but also breathe new life into economic activities, improve access to education and healthcare, and uplift the overall quality of life for the good people of Ushafa, Bwari, and the neighbouring communities.

“Beyond the concrete and asphalt; beyond the tar and steel, this project, like the others we have commissioned across the nation, is a tangible expression of my administration’s commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable development,” he said.

From left: FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud; FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Vice President Kashim Shettima, during the inauguration of dualized Ushafa to War College/ Army Checkpoint Roads and other ancillary roads in Bwari Area Council, Abuja on Wednesday.

The president commended the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike for his commitment to ensuring that no community in the territory was left behind.

He said that Wike’s vision of an integrated capital city, where development was not confined to the city centre but extended to the suburbs and satellite communities, aligns perfectly with his “Renewed Hope agenda”.

“I am convinced, and I believe you too, that we cannot truly build a modern, functional capital city unless we ensure that every district, every council, every ward is connected and empowered.

“No part of the FCT is going to be relegated. Development must be all-encompassing.

“It is only then that we can say with confidence that Abuja works, and indeed, Abuja is working,” he said.

In his remarks, Wike said that the 16.4-kilometre road project was awarded to Abdul Val Construction Company in line with Tinubu administration’s directive to encourage local contractors.

“I agree with Mr President; we must build our own,” he said.

The minister said he was sceptical about the capacity of the contractor to deliver, adding, however, that after about 15 inspection visits, the contractor had delivered on time and within expected standard.

He commended Tinubu for identifying with residents of satellite towns through execution of various life-impacting projects.

Also speaking, the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, noted that Tinubu’s support had continued to open up new corridors of growth and development across the FCT.

Mahmoud pledged that the FCT Administration would work tirelessly to bring more dividends of democracy to every part of the territory. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Tinubu promises continued funding of life-impacting projects in FCT
Metro

Tinubu promises continued funding of life-impacting projects in FCT

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By Philip Yatai

President Bola Tinubu has pledged his administration’s continued support to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, to continue delivering life-impacting projects in the territory.

Tinubu made the pledge in Abuja on Tuesday, while inaugurating the newly constructed Collector Road CN-8 (Asuquo Okon Street) and other connected roads in Dakibiyu District.

The road stretches from Arterial Road N-5 (Obafemi Awolowo Way) in Jabi District, to the Arterial Road N-1 (Olushegun Obasanjo Way) in Dakibiyu District.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu said this administration remained steadfast in its support for the FCT Administration.

He commended Wike’s efforts, “whose sense of urgency in the execution of projects is well known to Nigerians”.

Tinubu said: The capital of this nation must reflect the strength and dignity of all who call it home.

“We are determined to ensure that development knows no postcode, that governance does not discriminate, and that the dignity of our citizens is not defined by their geography.

“We will continue to provide the resources, policy backing, and institutional cooperation needed to ensure that projects like this are delivered on time and to the highest standards.

“Our goal is to build a capital that works for everyone.

“So, as we commission this road, let it be a symbol not just of connectivity but of commitment, not just of movement but of momentum”.

The President stressed that there was no louder proof of a government’s seriousness than the modernisation of its cities.

He added: “When a city works, when its roads are paved, when its lights are on, and when its traffic flows smoothly, it tells the world that its government is not just present but purposeful.

“Infrastructure, after all, is not just about concrete and steel. It is the most persuasive advertisement of leadership, of order, and of vision.

“A modern city inspires confidence, attracts investment, and most importantly, restores the dignity of those who call it home.

“That is why today’s occasion is not just about commissioning a road, it is a grand reassurance that cities must work for their people and that a functioning capital is the foundation upon which a functioning nation is built”.

The president said that, for too long, inadequate infrastructure has choked the aspirations of communities in Dakibiyu District.

He added that the newly constructed roads would breathe life into communities long waiting to be seen and long waiting to be served.

According to him, the dividends of the project are immediate and enduring.

“Communities will flourish, congestion will ease, and most critically, livelihoods will thrive.

“Shops will open, markets will thrive, children will return to school faster, emergency services will arrive quicker.

“This is what we mean when we speak of Renewed Hope; not lofty rhetoric, but practical impact; not policy for the sake of politics, but policy translated into progress.

“Every road we build, every bridge we complete, every community we connect is a firm step towards a more inclusive, more equitable Nigeria,” he said

In his remarks, Wike thanked Tinubu-led Federal Executive Council for approving the project which began in October 2024.

He explained that the project became necessary due to the terrible state of the road leading to several government institutions in the area.

“Your Excellency, I thank you for your continued support, and we will continue to solicit for more,” he said.

Similarly, the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, noted that Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” has continued to bring tangible transformation to the FCT.

Mahmoud described the project as, yet another testament to Tinubu administration’s unwavering commitment to infrastructural development and inclusive urban growth. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Wike taking governance closer to FCT residents – Tinubu
Metro

Wike taking governance closer to FCT residents – Tinubu

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By Philip Yatai

President Bola Tinubu says the leadership quality of the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, is taking governance closer to the residents of the territory.

Tinubu stated this in Abuja on Monday while inaugurating the newly-constructed access roads in Giri district, executed by the Wike-led FCT Administration.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project was the13th so far inaugurated, out of the 17 outlined for inauguration to celebrate Tinubu’s second year in office.

Represented by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, the president said that Wike’s work speaks for itself in every corner of the FCT.

“From the vast-spaced districts of Maitama, Jahi, Katampe, Wuye, Mabushi and the likes, to the towns of Gwagwalada, Kwali, Bwari and Abaji, and the growing communities of Kabusa, Ketti and now Giri district, your leadership has brought progress closer to the people.

“You have not only embraced the visions of my administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda”, you have localised it, made it meaningful and made it real.

“Your actions have brought quality and excellence to the dual states of communities long laid in the shadows.

“Honourable minister, on behalf of myself, my administration and the good people of the FCT, I say thank you for reminding us that good governance is not about fanfare, but about footsteps,” he said.

Tinubu said that the newly-constructed access roads were not just infrastructural achievements, but a statement of intention to open up Giri district and the FCT.

To the residents of Giri, Tinubu said: “May these roads lead you to greater opportunities; may they carry your children to school, farmers to markets, families to healthcare and dreams to reality.”

In his remarks, Wike said that the district houses University of Abuja, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Academy and other institutions.

He said that EFCC would be the first beneficiary of the access road, as it would encourage it to commence construction of its academy.

“Most of the problem we’re having here is that sometimes, when you allocate land, there are no facilities, no infrastructure, and people are not encouraged to develop the allocated land.

“So, we will do everything we can to see that basic infrastructure is provided in Giri to become an important district that will attract so many investors,” he said.

The minister further stated that efforts had begun to construct the critical road network in the district.

He said that he had already asked the acting Executive Secretary of Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Mr Richard Dauda, and other experts to begin working on the details.

Wike added that the road network would help to stop land grabbing by University of Abuja, adding that the university had grabbed 11,000 hectares without authorisation.

“So, I have told the director of land and other relevant agencies to carve out 4,000 hectares and give it to the university.

“The other ones would be reallocated because we are going to provide the roads here, and that is the true situation,” he said.

On her part, the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, described the project as yet another shining example of the Tinubu-led administration’s commitment to infrastructure development, connectivity and inclusive growth.

According to Mahmoud, the Giri road is part of a broader initiative to open up under-served communities and stimulate economic activities within the area councils.

Earlier, Dauda said that the project was awarded in November 2024 to provide access roads to the district, planned to be an institutional area.

He stated that the proposed main sewage treatment plant for the city at Giri was also located within the district. (NAN)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

Strike: CSOs decry setback in malaria, HIV services in FCT
Health

Strike: CSOs decry setback in malaria, HIV services in FCT

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Strike

By Justina Auta

A coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has raised serious concerns over the disruption of malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV interventions in Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The disruption followed an ongoing workers’ strike that had significantly affected the delivery of essential health services in the territory.

The CSOs voiced their concerns during a courtesy visit to the FCT PHC Board and the State Malaria Elimination Programme (SMEP) Secretariat on Friday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in March, the joint unions of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) directed workers across the six area councils of the FCT to embark on a sit-at-home strike.

The industrial action was aimed at pressing for the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage and the settlement of other outstanding entitlements by the area council authorities.

The industrial action had resulted in the prolonged closure of primary healthcare centres and schools, significantly limiting access to essential services for residents.

Mr Samuel Simon, FCT Programme Officer for the TB Network, said their recent visit to PHCs supported under the COVID-19 Response Mechanism and Resilient and Sustainable Systems for Health (C19RM/RSSH) Global Fund Project revealed troubling findings.

He noted that many of the facilities remained shut, hindering access to critical health services at the community level.

“The strike, which has crippled healthcare services, has severely impacted the delivery of essential health programmes, putting vulnerable populations at risk,” Simon stated.

Mr Nathaniel Salifu, FCT Coordinator of the Tuberculosis Network, expressed similar concerns, noting the broader implications for malaria and HIV responses.

“With PHC facilities largely inaccessible, concerns are mounting over a potential surge in untreated cases, disease transmission, and preventable deaths.

“This will have devastating effects, not just on communities, but also on the progress made in achieving universal health coverage,” he warned.

Mr Peter Ikiti, FCT Coordinator for the Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), called on all relevant authorities to urgently address the industrial dispute.

He stressed the need to safeguard health and education services, especially for vulnerable populations affected by the ongoing strike.

Dr Julius Ibecheole, FCT State Coordinator of the Association of Civil Society Organisations in Malaria Control, Immunisation and Nutrition (ACOMIN), also called for immediate action.

“We are calling for urgent steps to resolve these issues and restore uninterrupted healthcare services that protect the health and well-being of residents, especially those most vulnerable to diseases,” Ibecheole said.

Responding to the concerns, Mrs Elizabeth Ladipo, FCT PHC Board State Health Educator, acknowledged the negative impact of the strike on vulnerable communities but assured stakeholders that advocacy efforts were ongoing to ensure a resolution.

Likewise, Hajiya Zainab Ibrahim, Programme Manager of SMEP, noted that some interventions, with the support of development partners, were continuing, particularly around the distribution of malaria elimination drugs.

Meanwhile, Dr Stephen Knabayi, Chairman of the NLC, FCT Chapter, warned that the union would shut down Abuja after July 3 if authorities failed to resolve the ongoing industrial disputes affecting area council workers. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Kugbo, Mabushi bus terminals ‘ll process 20,000 passengers daily – Otunola
Metro

Kugbo, Mabushi bus terminals ‘ll process 20,000 passengers daily – Otunola

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By Philip Yatai

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Planet Project Ltd, Mr Biodun Otunola, says the Kugbo and Mabushi Bus and Taxi Terminals, Abuja, are designed to process more than 10,000 passengers each, daily.

Otunola made this known in Abuja on Thursday, on the sideline of the inauguration of the Kugbo Bus and Taxi Terminal by President Bola Tinubu to celebrate his second year in office.

He added that the terminals, constructed by Planet Project, a local contractor, were also designed to accommodate 120 buses and taxis each, daily, for both intercity and intracity travels.

He, however, said that the terminal under construction in the Central Business District (CBD) was different, adding that it was essentially designed for intracity operations.

“We can take over 120 buses here and we’ve designed this place such that it can handle up to 10,000 passengers every day.

“It’s the same thing with the one in Mabushi as well. The same concept but the one at CBD, which is the third one, is a bit different.

“The one at CBD is essentially for the city operation within Abuja, while Mabushi and Kugbo are designed to run intracity and intercity operations,” he said.

On job opportunities, Otunola said that each of the three terminals would employ at least 100 persons.

He explained that people would be in the security department, some in the ticketing department, others in facility management, control room, electrical department, mechanical department, maintenance department, and bus control.

“It’s very huge. It’s like running a mini airport,” he said.

The managing director pointed out that Abuja, before now, has always been about car and road transportation, noting that for the first time, the government had invested in public transport to ensure comfort and safety.

He described the facility as a “transportation hub for the masses”, built in tandem with similar facilities found anywhere in the world.

“So, if you come here and you are travelling to any part of Nigeria, including within Abuja as well, you will have the lift, the escalator, and you will have security.

“This place provides you with safety, comfort and convenience for you to travel, and you can also shop while you are travelling. This is what we have all over the world.

“We have all the modern facilities – fully air-conditioned, you have a loading bay area for passengers, you can eat here, you can have public convenience and cinema.

“We also have escalators; we have lifts and we have a ticketing area. So, the area of stressing yourself because you are traveling is over.

“Now you can travel with convenience, you can travel with ease, with safety and peace of mind and that’s exactly what we have here,” he said.

He added that with this development, people would be able to travel with confidence and without any fear, in a very safe, secure and serene environment.

He commended Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for giving Planet Project, a local contractor the opportunity to showcase its capacity to execute world standard bust terminals for the residents of the territory.

“I feel very happy that the Nigerian government is beginning to trust its own people to do the right thing and to execute this kind of project.

“Although this is not the first project we have executed, but to have pioneered this in the FCT is no doubt a very, very major achievement for us.

“We are grateful to President Tinubu for giving us this opportunity and also the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike because if they don’t believe in us, they will not try us and they wouldn’t have achieved this result,” he said.

Otunola commended Wike for the decision to handover the facilities to the private sector to manage to ensure efficiency and quality service delivery.

He, however, said that based on needs assessment, the FCT would need at least 12 bus and taxi terminals to cover significant parts of the territory.

“We will need one in Gwagwalada, one in Kuje in Gwarinpa, and Lugbe, including the city centre in places like Area 1, Area 3 in Garki, Wuse and other strategic locations,” he said.

Earlier, Tinubu, who was represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, said that the terminals would equally boost trade, bring orderliness, safety and comfort to commuters.

In his remarks, Wike thanked Tinubu for supporting the ongoing transformation in the FCT, including public transportation through the construction of bus and taxi terminals.

He said that with the bus terminals, residents do not need to be waiting on the roadside for vehicles, exposing them to once chance criminal operators. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

FCT bus terminals ‘ll boost security in public transportation – Tinubu
Metro

FCT bus terminals ‘ll boost security in public transportation – Tinubu

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By Philip Yatai

President Bola Tinubu says the newly constructed bus and taxi terminals by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) will address the insecurity associated with public transportation in the territory.

Tinubu said this while inaugurating the Kugbo Bus and Taxi Terminal, as part of activities to celebrate his second year in office.

Represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Tinubu said that the terminals align with the development goals of transit-oriented cities equipped with smart mobility, compact living spaces and parking management.

“We heard your concerns; we understood your fears and we acted. With your compliance, you will no longer suffer from one chance by the roadside,” he said.

Tinubu added that the terminals, a meticulously planned transportation hub, would add to the numerous jobs being created by his administration in different sectors.

He explained that the terminals would equally boost trade, bring orderliness, safety and bring comfort to commuters.

“At the swearing-in of my government two years ago, I swore to uphold and defend the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and its people.

“With the security reports on the several menaces of one-chance robberies, kidnapping, and thuggery that characterised public transportation in FCT, I directed the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike to put in place measures to address that situation.

“Here and now, you will find an organised system where vehicles and drivers are properly identified and registered, significantly reducing the risk associated with the normal informal transportation.

“The presence of advanced security features, including comprehensive CCTV surveillance, ensures that your journey begins and ends in a secure environment,” he said.

He said that the Kugbo bus terminal alongside its counterpart in Mabushi and that of the Central Business District under construction, would contribute to his government’s determination to turn around the fortunes of the people.

This, according to him, is being achieved through improved connectivity, reduced travel time and increased economic growth thereby creating opportunities.

“The decision of my administration to prioritise high-impact transportation infrastructure, among which is this bus and taxi terminal, is based on the undeniable fact that no nation around the world has been recorded to have made any noticeable progress without modernisation and expansion of its critical public mobility and public utilities.

“As encapsulated in the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of my administration, my solemn promise to rebuild and revitalise our nation’s infrastructure, enhance the lives of Nigerians, create an environment where security and efficiency become the order of the day, are being fulfilled, one step at a time.

“You will all agree with me that the Mabushi and now Kubo Bus Terminals meet with global principles of sustainable urban development in the area of transportation.

“This will automatically erase the ugly experiences of chaotic public transportation in our capital city, previously fraught with challenges.”

He commended Wike-led FCT Administration for yet again making his government proud by judiciously utilising scarce public resources towards initiating and completing within record time, this iconic public transportation infrastructure.

He equally thanked the National Assembly for support so far, which has enabled his administration to fulfil its renewed promises to Nigerian citizens.

In his remarks, Wike thanked Tinubu for supporting the ongoing transformation in the FCT, including public transportation through the construction of bus and taxi terminals.

He said that with the bus terminals, residents do not need to be waiting on the road side for vehicles, exposing them to once chance criminal operators.

“Here, when you come into this place you are sure of the vehicle; you are sure of the driver.

“If you enter a vehicle here, the driver is known. So, if anything happens, we will be able to know that this passenger entered so so and so vehicle, and the driver of the vehicle is also known.

“You have time to unwind, go to the cinema if you want. The loading bays are there, and that is what we see in civilized countries,” Wike said.

He said that terminals would be handed over to the private sector to operate, adding that additional terminals would be constructed in Gwagwalada, Bwari and Kuje. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Tinubu impressed with ongoing infrastructural transformation in FCT
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Tinubu impressed with ongoing infrastructural transformation in FCT

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By Philip Yatai

President Bola Tinubu says his administration is proud of the ongoing transformation in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to pump life into its economy and foster social wellbeing.

Tinubu stated this in Abuja on Wednesday while inaugurating the newly constructed Interchange that linked Wole Soyinka Way (Arterial Road N20) to Murtala Mohammed Expressway.

The Interchange is the 11 projects inaugurated so far, out of the 17 outlined for inauguration to celebrate Tinubu’s second year in office.

Tinubu, who was represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, said that the FCT had turned around saying, “we are proud of what is happening in the FCT”.

Declaring that even the blind could see the ongoing transformation, the president commended the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and his management team for the feat recorded so far.

He said that his administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” was built on the bedrock of robust infrastructure for the transformation of the country’s fortune.

He noted that the nation’s infrastructure must be strong, clear and efficient to pump life into its economy, and foster social wellbeing.

According to him, the interchange, strategically linking key areas and easing the flow of traffic, will unlock new opportunities for commerce, reduce travel time.

“This will contribute directly to increasing productivity and a better quality of life for all who traverse these vital routes.

“The interchange, a magnificent piece of engineering, is indeed a testament to our unwavering commitment to progress, a beacon of our collective aspiration for a more connected and prosperous FCT.”

Tinubu noted that while rapid urbanisation was a sign of growth, it had also presented challenges, particularly in ensuring smooth and efficient movement of people, goods and services.

This interchange, he said, was a crucial answer to those challenges, designed to alleviate traffic congestion, enhance safety, and significantly improve the daily lives of residents and commuters in the FCT.

He commended the FCT Administration under the dynamic leadership of the Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, for their vision, dedication and tireless efforts in bringing the project to fruition.

He added that Wike’s commitment to transforming Abuja into a world-class capital was evident in projects of the magnitude.

In his remarks, Wike explained that the project was awarded in 2020 and was completed by the Tinubu-led administration.

“This is in line with your policy of completing abandoned projects that will impact the lives and economy of the people,” he said.

He commended Tinubu’s impactful leadership style, describing it as crucial to the survival of any government.

“When you provide the right leadership, you will get the right results.

“As the president has provided and is still providing the right leadership and that is why we are seeing the results today.

“There’s no magic. It’s just about commitment. The president has committed to see that good things happen in this country and that’s why we have renewed hope,” he said.

The minister also thanked the National Assembly for the support.

The FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, equally gave Tinubu’s visionary leadership credit to the numerous achievements recorded so far in the FCT.

Mahmoud said that he completed interchange stands as a testament to Tinubu’s dedication to improving the transportation network to ease the movement of residents in the FCT. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

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