Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced comprehensive reforms to overhaul Abuja’s transportation system, with new bus terminals at Kugbo and Mabushi set to be commissioned at President Bola Tinubu’s second anniversary in office.
Wike, during an inspection tour of the facilities, revealed plans to introduce strict regulations for taxis and buses as part of broader security and efficiency measures in the nation’s capital.
The minister emphasised that significant changes were coming to Abuja’s transport landscape.
“Obviously, a lot of things will happen in the transport sector. There will be a lot of reforms. In fact, the committee is working before we get to even commissioning.
“We will come up with our transport sector reforms because we have said as part of security measures, we must know who are those involved in doing their taxi business and what colour,” he said.
He said the colour-coding system would ensure proper identification of vehicles, so that if anything happens, they would be identified.
Wike also vowed to eliminate the proliferation of unauthorised motor parks across the city.
“This time around, we are working to see that we do not have a lot of parks on the road. That’s why you see when I told the contractor what it should be here, it is both bus and taxi terminals, not just only bus terminals. So those who come to the bus terminals can take taxis from there to wherever they want to go,” he said.
Expressing satisfaction with the progress at the terminals, the minister acknowledged initial shortcomings but noted significant improvements.
“I am very happy with what I have seen, but when you see some errors, you have to point them out. That does not make you not to be happy.
“The first time we went there, I expressed dismay. They have tried to improve, and when I returned, there was a lot of improvement you cannot compare,” he said.
He projected that by the commissioning date, the facilities would be transformed, adding, “By the time the date for commissioning comes, and you go back there, it will be something else.”
Wike praised the local contractors handling the projects, saying that as far as he concerned, he was very happy.
“I commend the local contractor who has put in his best. We will continue to support them so we can get the best from Nigerians too. We are happy with what we have seen,” he said.
The minister confirmed that the transport reforms would be finalized before the terminals’ commissioning, which is part of activities marking President Tinubu’s second year in office.
