FCTA to build more bus terminals, eliminate illegal parks

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) says it will construct additional modern bus and taxi terminals across Abuja to eliminate illegal motor parks, enhance passenger safety and modernise the nation’s capital.

Mr Chinedum Elechi, Mandate Secretary, FCTA Transportation Secretariat, said this on Thursday on Abuja while briefing newsmen on the operationalisation of the Mabushi and Central Business District bus and taxi terminals.

Elechi reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to transforming the Federal Capital Territory into a world-class city through ongoing transport projects and future budgetary provisions for additional terminals.

He addressed concerns over the reliance on informal loading points, including Berger and Area 1 roundabouts, saying the shift to centralised terminals was necessary for security, orderliness and efficiency.

“We are building these in strategic locations. The terminals in Kugbo and Mabushi are purely designed for intercity travel.

“Whether a passenger is traveling 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,” he said.

He explained that the initial phase focused on key terminals in Mabushi, Kugbo and the Central Business District, with the latter designed primarily to serve intracity transportation needs.

According to him, more terminals have already been captured in the administration’s expansion plans under the leadership of the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike.

Comparing Abuja’s urban renewal efforts with global standards and regional examples, Elechi said cities such as Lagos had successfully transformed chaotic transit points into organised transportation hubs.

“I have traveled 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 said.

The mandate secretary explained that the terminals would function as primary transport hubs linked through structured last-mile services using designated bus shelters, taxis and e-hailing platforms.

“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 through local buses, taxis or private pickups, the system is designed to ensure passengers complete their journeys safely and conveniently,” he said.

Elechi urged commuters and transport operators to embrace the new facilities as the administration continued expanding modern transportation infrastructure across the Federal Capital Territory.

He reassured residents that the objective of the initiative was to guarantee public safety, maintain a clean city environment and establish an efficient and reliable transit system.