The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has said the newly completed bus terminals in Abuja will significantly reduce the menace of “one-chance” criminals and restore order to the city’s transportation system.
Speaking during an inspection of key projects in the FCT on Tuesday, Wike explained that the terminals including the Mabushi and Kugbo facilities will eliminate the need for residents to wait for buses along unsafe roadsides, thus boosting security.
“You don’t need to stand on the road anymore. You go to the bus terminal, and there, we know the drivers, we know the vehicles you have boarded,” he said. “That, of course, will limit this ‘one-chance’. That’s the whole idea cleaning up the city and stopping buses from turning every roadside into a motor park.”
The terminals are part of a broader infrastructure push by the FCT Administration to mark the second anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. Wike said several completed projects, including the strategic Daki-Biyu road leading to the Court of Appeal, are being lined up for commissioning.
“We’ve inspected several projects today, but the road going to the Court of Appeal at Daki-Biyu is one we’re hoping will be part of the president’s second-year anniversary inauguration,” he stated. “We also visited the Mabushi Bus Terminal and now Kugbo. We’re happy we’re providing this kind of infrastructure.”
The Minister praised the contractors for their work on the terminals and noted a marked improvement at Mabushi since his previous visit.
“The last time I came here, I shouted at them over poor finishing. But what I’ve seen now shows a lot of improvement. The contractor said they haven’t done final painting yet because they wanted my feedback first. I commend them,” he said.
On whether the Daki-Biyu road can be completed in time for a May 29 inauguration, Wike clarified that the commissioning events are not restricted to that date.
“Commissioning is to mark the anniversary, but it doesn’t mean everything must be done on May 29. The president can give us a date in June. We’ll likely spread the commissioning over two weeks depending on his approval,” he explained.
Wike also addressed funding concerns, saying the administration has managed multiple projects simultaneously by focusing on prudent spending and prioritizing needs.
“We don’t just award contracts for the sake of it. We base it on the resources we have. With the little taxes we collect and the support Mr. President has given, we’re able to focus on what really matters,” he said.
The Minister assured Abuja residents that under President Tinubu’s leadership, the FCT will continue to witness transformative developments that enhance safety, mobility, and quality of life.