The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, says the newly constructed bus and taxi terminals in Abuja will commence operations once the Federal Executive Council approves the Public-Private Partnership arrangement for their management.
According to Mediaplusng.com, the minister gives the assurance after inspecting ongoing road infrastructure projects across the Federal Capital Territory, emphasizing that the delay is strictly procedural.
The three major bus and taxi terminals developed by the Federal Capital Territory Administration in Kugbo, Mabushi, and the Central Business District are designed to modernize Abuja’s transportation system and improve urban mobility.
Mediaplusng.com reports that although two of the terminals have been completed and inaugurated, they are yet to begin full commercial operations.
Construction of the terminals begins in 2024, with contracts valued at approximately ₦51 billion. The Kugbo and Mabushi terminals are officially inaugurated in June 2025 as part of activities marking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second year in office, while the Central Business District terminal reaches advanced completion stage.
Despite their commissioning, the facilities remain non-operational months after inauguration. The minister explains that the delay is due to the requirement for Federal Executive Council approval of the Public-Private Partnership framework selected for their management.
According to Mediaplusng.com, Wike clarifies that the FCT Administration deliberately chooses a private-sector driven operational model rather than placing the terminals under direct control of the Transport Secretariat.
He states that competent private operators are identified to manage the facilities to ensure efficiency, accountability, and sustainability. However, he notes that such contracts exceed ministerial approval thresholds and must receive clearance from the Federal Executive Council.
The minister confirms that the procurement process has already passed through the Bureau of Public Procurement, indicating compliance with due process requirements. He expresses optimism that the contracts will be presented at the next FEC meeting for approval.
Wike emphasizes that once FEC grants approval, operations will begin immediately, activating the terminals for daily passenger services.
The bus and taxi terminals form part of broader FCTA plans to modernize Abuja’s transportation infrastructure. The initiative aims to reduce traffic congestion, eliminate indiscriminate roadside parking, and improve passenger safety across the capital city.
By providing structured loading bays, ticketing systems, security installations, and organized vehicle parking, the terminals are expected to streamline both intercity and intra-city travel.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Planet Project Limited, Biodun Otunola, explains that the Kugbo and Mabushi terminals are each designed to process over 10,000 passengers daily. The facilities can accommodate up to 120 buses and taxis per day for both intercity and intra-city routes.
He adds that the Central Business District terminal differs in design, focusing primarily on intra-city transportation within Abuja’s metropolitan areas.
On employment opportunities, Otunola states that each terminal is projected to create at least 100 direct jobs. Positions will span security services, ticketing operations, facility management, electrical and mechanical departments, maintenance, and control room management.
He describes the operational structure as comparable to managing a mini-airport, highlighting the scale and sophistication of the infrastructure.
Urban transport analysts note that Abuja’s rapid population growth necessitates expanded transit infrastructure. Efficient bus terminals are seen as critical to improving mobility, reducing environmental pollution, and enhancing commuter safety.
Wike previously announces plans to expand the bus terminal network to additional locations, including Gwagwalada, Bwari, and Kuje. According to project assessments, Abuja may require at least 12 strategically located terminals to effectively serve its growing population.
Proposed locations for future terminals include Gwarinpa, Lugbe, Area 1 and Area 3 in Garki, Wuse, and other high-traffic districts within the city centre.
Transportation experts argue that the Public-Private Partnership model, once approved, could enhance operational efficiency, financial sustainability, and service delivery standards across the FCT transport system.
Stakeholders await the outcome of the upcoming Federal Executive Council meeting, which is expected to determine the operational timeline for the terminals.
The FCT bus and taxi terminals represent a significant milestone in Abuja’s transportation modernization drive. However, final approval from the Federal Executive Council remains the key step before operations commence.
With infrastructure in place and operators awaiting clearance, residents of the Federal Capital Territory look forward to improved transit services, reduced congestion, and enhanced urban mobility.
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