Abuja residents are buzzing with excitement as they count down to the completion of the state-of-the-art bus and taxi terminals promised by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
Located at Kugbo, Mabushi, and the Central Area, these terminals will revolutionize the city’s transportation system, easing the burden of fuel subsidy removal and putting an end to the notorious ‘One-Chance’ cab gangs.”
Persecondnews recalls that Wike, on May 22, 2024, promised the construction of the bus terminals, vowing to deliver them within eight months.
“You can imagine Abuja as a city where the residents do not know which taxi or a commercial bus to board—this is why they enter ‘one-chance.’
“But now, we are going to build three terminals for the FCT so that you will know if you want to board a bus or a taxi, you will go to a specific terminal,” he had said.
Six months after the announcement, President Bola Tinubu handed over 15 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to the leadership of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), and Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) at the Renewed Hope Transportation Scheme FCT Bus launch in November 2024.
“These buses symbolize the government’s commitment to empowering citizens while transitioning to a cleaner energy economy. They also allow us to monitor and ensure the safety and efficiency of the transportation sector, ultimately benefiting all Nigerians.
“By transitioning to compressed natural gas, we are cutting down on carbon emissions, reducing the cost of fuel for transportation operators, and enabling the growth of a cleaner and more efficient transportation system”, said Transportation Minister Sen. Said Alkali, who represented the President.
In response to enquires Persecondnews made in January 2025, Mr. Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media to Minister Wike, attributed the scarcity of CNG buses and unpainted taxis to the ongoing construction of three bus terminals.
During a visit to the terminal sites on April 25th, this reporter observed that the bus terminals, initially slated for completion within eight months, are now projected to be finished around May 2025, approximately one year behind the original schedule.
At the Kugbo terminal, construction has reached approximately 80% completion, with the main structure of the building largely finished. However, significant interior work remains to bring the project to its final stages.
One of the engineers, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that while they have been given an April deadline to complete the terminals, meeting the deadline “seems increasingly uncertain.”
Persecondnews observes that the Central Area terminal is at a comparatively earlier stage of development, with approximately 40 percent of the work completed.
While the structural framework is currently being erected, the roofing is still pending. Only the iron framework is presently being installed.
The Mabushi terminal is 90% complete, with some finishing touches being put into the building as of Friday, April 25.
On April 15th, however, FCT Minister Wike voiced his displeasure with the quality of the finishing touches at the almost finished Mabushi Bus and Taxi Terminal.
He cautioned that any work falling below standard would be unacceptable, particularly with President Tinubu expected to commission the facility in May.
“We are now at the Mabushi bus terminal, which is almost ready, but I have told the Secretary, Transport Secretariat that a lot of work has to be done.
“I have pointed out some of the things I thought should be corrected. This is because I will not accept the finishing. The finishing is key for this kind of project,” he said.
He, therefore, ordered the contractor to revisit the site, address the noted shortcomings, and ensure the project meets the FCT administration’s expectations.
Wike further said that construction of the additional terminals in Kugbo and Central Area was advancing smoothly, with delivery expected as planned.
Khadija Nurudeen, a food vendor operating near Eagles Square, expressed her satisfaction with the proximity of the planned bus terminal. She noted that its location would eliminate the necessity of hailing often chaotic taxi buses.
She said: “Once I close, I will just hop on the bus straight to Lugbe. You know how dangerous it is standing under the Finance Bridge around 7 pm waiting for a cab?
“The security risks are high – one swift move from street urchins and your bag is gone. They will jump into that nearby bush in no time.”
Ephraim Obodozie, a civil servant, told Persecondnews in an interview that the bus service will be a game-changer, saving people money and offering multiple options to suit different needs.
He said: “They say variety is the spice of life. These taxi drivers always hike fares, especially as night falls. But knowing people have alternatives might curb their greed somewhat.
“It is not like everyone will switch to CNG buses. Some people, like me, prefer taxis because they are easier to fill up and move faster. Still, having options is beneficial.
“Truth be told, President Tinubu’s introducing innovative changes bit by bit. The CNG buses are smoke-free, and I have heard you can pay with a card, just like in the USA.
“We need leaders who will explore innovative solutions abroad and implement them here, not just travel to squander our funds.”
Osas, a taxi driver, greeted the news of the terminals with optimism. He expressed hope that they would bring about smoother operations and encourage greater professionalism among drivers, ultimately enhancing the reputation of their union.
He said: “Daily, someone takes to the road in a green-painted cab with accomplices, robbing and pushing people out of moving vehicles, giving our profession a bad name.
“Once the terminals are completed, all cab drivers will undergo profiling with the FCT Police Command. Drivers operating outside designated terminals or without profiling will face arrest.
“While some worry the terminals might hurt our business, the truth is they will actually benefit us cab drivers in the long run.”
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