Abuja bus terminals ‘ll be operated by private sector – Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says the three Bus and Taxi Terminals being constructed in Abuja will be operated and managed by the private sector.

Wike stated this at the inauguration of the construction of Kugbo Bus Terminal in Abuja on Tuesday.

The minister had disclosed during the inauguration of the same project in Mabushi on Monday, that another terminal would be constructed in the Central Business District.

He said that the move was to ensure efficient management and return on investment.

“This is not a project we will just say to the government, go and run. No, we will not do that. Before the project will be finished, we will enter an arrangement on how it will be operated.

“Government is not a good businessperson. If you want this project to die, the day you finish it, tell the Transport Secretariat to come and carry it, then forget it; it is gone.

“The money you have spent will be wasted money. Their own is only to supervise, but not to operate,” he said.

Wike added that the terminal would be equipped with critical security facilities and would be run in accordance with international best practices and not by road transport unions.

He said, “It will be operated in line with what is obtainable in every developed country and run how terminals are run.

“So, if you are a taxi or union, don’t come and union this one here.”

He explained that the bus and taxi terminal was part of a measure to address the deficit in public transportation in the nation’s capital city.

He added that the project would equally address insecurity, particularly the menace of one chance operators in the territory.

He pointed out that Abuja, the supposed capital city of the most populated country in Africa, did not have the critical infrastructure needed to make it a great city.

The minister wondered why FCT did not have a befitting public transportation system several years after establishment.

He disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had directed the FCT Administration to transform public transportation in the territory.

He said, “with what President Tinubu directed us to do, I believe in the next 12 to 13 months, there will be a change in public transportation in the FCT.”

He commended the National Assembly for the consistent support, particularly with respect to approved budget to deliver infrastructural projects on time.

According to him, the budget to finance the bus terminal projects have been adequately provided for in the 2024 budget.

“None of our projects will be an abandoned project; none of our projects will exceed 15 months to two years because of the support of the National Assembly.”

The Senate President, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, while inaugurating the project, described the bus terminal as a significant milestone in Abuja transportation system.

Akpabio said: “the bus terminal project is a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to enhance the infrastructure and public transportation system of the capital city of our beloved country.

“The development of the bus terminals is more than just a construction project; it is a testament to the good works and commitment of President Tinubu’s government to the progress and modernisation of Nigeria.

“This terminal will serve as a vital hub that will facilitate the efficient movement of people, reduce traffic congestion and improve the overall quality of life of residents and visitors alike in the city.”