The Minister of Transportation, Mr. Said Alkali, has lauded the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, for delivering three modern bus and taxi terminals in Abuja, describing the initiative as a “landmark achievement” in urban transport development.
Alkali made the commendation on Tuesday during the inauguration of the Mabushi Bus and Taxi Terminal, one of the three terminals constructed by the Wike-led Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
He assured that the Ministry of Transportation would partner with the FCTA to sustain and support such forward-looking efforts, stating that the initiative would significantly enhance public transport efficiency and stimulate economic activity in the capital city.
“This will also provide a 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,” Alkali said.
He called on stakeholders, particularly leaders of road transport unions, to fully harness the terminal’s potential, stressing that its effective use would encourage government to continue prioritising public welfare and improving the dignity of transport users and operators.
The minister further disclosed that President Tinubu has approved the construction of six additional bus terminals across the six geopolitical zones of the country.
The new terminals, Alkali said, would be located in Abeokuta, Ogun State (South West); Onitsha, Anambra State (South East); Warri, Delta State (South South); Lokoja, Kogi State (North Central); Gombe, Gombe State (North East); and Kano, Kano State (North West).
According to him, the selected cities were chosen based on their commercial relevance and potential to drive inclusive economic development through enhanced transport infrastructure.
He praised President Tinubu’s unprecedented support for the transport sector, stating: “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 also appreciated the president’s visionary leadership for recognising transportation as a critical enabler of economic growth and a gateway to the national economy.
On his part, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, explained that the FCTA commenced construction of three major bus and taxi terminals in 2024 — one in Mabushi, one in the Central Business Area, and another in Kugbo.
He disclosed that the Kugbo terminal would be inaugurated next week, while the Central Business Area terminal would be completed and opened before the end of 2025.
Wike added that the FCTA would also begin construction of three more terminals in 2025, located in Gwagwalada, Bwari, and Kuje.
According to him, the goal of the project is not only to improve transportation, but also to enhance commuter safety and reduce traffic congestion.
“We are trying to eliminate the ‘one chance’ syndrome where commuters are vulnerable to attacks by unknown drivers,” Wike stated.
Earlier, Mr. Chinedum Elechi, the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Transportation Secretariat, described the new Mabushi terminal as the “first of its kind” in the Federal Capital Territory.
He noted that the terminal, built on 1.8 hectares of land, was designed to operate 24 hours a day and would serve both intercity and intracity routes.
Elechi explained that the project was awarded in May 2024 with a 15-month timeline but was impressively completed in just 10 months.
The terminal, he revealed, boasts facilities such as an escalator, ticketing booths, shops, cinemas, restaurants, and a family room for nursing mothers. To ensure safety, 45 closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras have been installed at key locations within the premises.
