The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has unveiled plans to build additional modern bus and taxi terminals across Abuja as part of efforts to eliminate illegal motor parks, tackle the menace of “one chance” robbery and modernise the nation’s capital.
The administration said the initiative forms part of its broader urban renewal programme, driven by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to transform Abuja into a world-class city with a safe, orderly and efficient transport system.
The Mandate Secretary of the FCTA Transportation Secretariat, Chinedum Elechi, disclosed this on Thursday while briefing journalists on the operationalisation of the newly completed Mabushi and Central Business District Bus and Taxi Terminals.
Elechi said the administration would continue to provide budgetary support for the construction of additional terminals in strategic locations across the territory to phase out illegal loading points and improve commuter safety.
He explained that the Mabushi and Kugbo terminals were designed to cater for interstate travellers, while the Central Business District terminal would primarily handle intra-city transport.
According to him, passengers travelling to different parts of the country, including Aba, Lokoja, Owerri and Sokoto, deserve to board vehicles in secure and organised environments rather than at makeshift parks.
“We are building these in strategic locations. The terminals in Kugbo and Mabushi are purely designed for intercity travel.
“Whether a passenger is travelling to Aba, Lokoja, Owerri or Sokoto, they need a safe, secure and comfortable environment to board.
“You cannot guarantee what happens when you board a bus at an ad hoc arrangement, which has contributed to the ‘one chance’ security challenges,” Elechi said.
The transport chief said the FCTA would no longer encourage the use of informal loading points such as Berger and Area 1 roundabouts, stressing that organised terminals remain the global standard for urban transport.
Drawing comparisons with other cities, he noted that Lagos had successfully transformed the once-chaotic Oshodi transport corridor into a modern transit hub.
“I have travelled all over the world, and even right here on our doorstep, cities are tidying up. If Lagos could transform the madness of Oshodi into modern transport hubs, why shouldn’t the FCT be tidied up?” he asked.
Elechi explained that the terminals would operate as central transport hubs connected to designated bus stops and supported by taxis, buses and e-hailing services to ensure seamless last-mile connectivity.
“We cannot put a bus terminal in everybody’s backyard, just as we cannot put an airport everywhere.
“The terminals serve as primary hubs. When passengers return from a 12-hour journey from Aba or elsewhere, the last-mile network will safely convey them from the hub to their final destinations.
“Whether by local buses, taxis or private pickups, the system is designed to ensure passengers complete their journeys safely and conveniently,” he said.
He appealed to residents and transport operators to embrace the new facilities, assuring them that the administration remained committed to expanding transport infrastructure, improving public safety, sanitising the city and delivering a reliable public transport system for Abuja residents.
