By Abdullahi Muhammad, Abuja
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT),
Barr. Nyesom Wike, has disclosed that provision of bus/taxi terminals will help reduce the level of insecurity especially the prevailing one-chance criminal acts in Abuja, especially the FCC.
Wike, who decries that the absence of functional terminal infrastructure for commuters, resulting to taxis and buses being all over the places is part of insecurity problems bedeviling the city.
The Minister disclosed this Monday at the flag-off ceremony of the construction of Mabushi Bus Terminal, in Abuja.
His words: “A city like Abuja does not have Bus and Taxi terminal. This is supposed to be one of the best cities in the world, but how can it be one of the best cities in the world when those infrastructure that make that kind of city are not available? It will be difficult. A first class city cannot be actualized when the infrastructure are not present.
“You will see taxis all over the place and that of course, is part of our insecurity problems. So many people talk about one-chance , why won’t there be one-chance when you don’t even know the man whose bus or taxi you are entering?
“So, under the Renewed Hope Agenda and in other to reduce the level of insecurity, we made a proposal and we said part of the problems we are having is because we don’t know who are these people who are plying these buses and taxis, and where they load from.
“And so, we decided we must start with three bus terminals. One each in the Central Business district, Mabushi, and Kugbo.
“I believe this is part of the second year anniversary of Mr. President in May, 2025.
“The funds are available, we’ve given you according to procurement law and this project, I would be personally involved from time to time to come and monitor and supervise this project.”
Wike, who noted that the project is going to create jobs, however, appealed to the people of Mabushi to support the company, so as to execute it within the given time frame.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, said the flag-off ceremony represents more than the construction of a bus terminal, as it exemplifies the remarkable outcomes that come from the fusion of vision, leadership, and collaboration.
Tajudeen, who flagged off the project, reaffirmed that the National Assembly, as the legislature of the FCT, stands ready to support the Minister by enacting favourable legislations, ensuring adequate funding, and providing oversight to ensure that projects are completed on time and to the highest standards.
The bus terminal component of the Abuja public transportation project is designed to provide terminal infrastructures for the safety, security, convenience and good travel experience for the commuters.
Some of the components of the project include; terminal building, waiting area, ticketing booth, ATM points, bus and taxi parks, convenience, loading bay, public address system, and CCTV, lift/elevator.
Others are street lighting, water and waste plant, fuel dump and station operations, traffic system management, pedestrian walkway and green area.