Construction of Bus Terminals will help tackle insecurity in FCT – Wike

By Stanley Onyekwere

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has expressed optimism that the ongoing effort to modernize transportation through the construction of terminals will help to address myriad of security challenges in the FCT
In particular, Wike noted that provision of bus terminals in the nation’s capital city will not only improve transportation system, but also help to curtail the menace of commercial cab robberies otherwise known as ‘one chance’ in the FCT.
According to a recent statement from the Director of Press (Office of the hon. minister), Anthony Ogunleye, Wike spoke when he flagged off the construction of a bus and taxi terminal in the Central Business District (CBD) of Abuja.
It added that the minister recalled that the FCTA had commenced the construction of two bus terminals in Mabushi and Kugbo axis of the FCT, with the CBD making third in the series of bus terminals.
While stressing that the commitment of the FCT Administration to expanding transportation infrastructure in the FCT with the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he disclosed that the management of the terminals will ensure that buses and taxi operators at the various terminals are clearly identified for security reasons, stressing that
He reiterated that the provision of road infrastructure in the FCT will not be complete without linking them to the various bus and taxi terminals equally said the project will be constructed according to modern standards and will have facilities for relaxation, including restaurants.
“Before now, we have flagged off two bus terminals, one in Mabushi and one in Kugbo. This one is for the Central Business District, which is like the centre of the city.
“Some of us who have had the privilege of traveling overseas or traveling to other countries have come across these facilities. What comes to mind is why is it that we cannot also have the same facilities that we enjoy when we go outside the country?
“Abuja is a beautiful city. By the grace of God, through the support of Mr. President, we have continued to expand the road infrastructure, improve the efficiency of public transportation, reduce traffic congestion and provide a more comfortable and convenient travel experience for both residents and visitors.
“What we are trying to do is to integrate and improve our transport system. It is going to cut off this so-called “one chance” that is always committed here.
“The management of these bus and taxi terminals will know that these are the vehicles that go to so and so place and these are the vehicles you have boarded. For security reasons, we will be able to identify them, unlike where you will go and stand on the road, you don’t know who is plying the vehicle.
“Part of what we are doing today is establishing a bus and taxi terminal that you can go and say that I am going to Gwagwalada and we are aware. If anything happens, this is the vehicle and this is the driver that will be held responsible”, the minister stated.
Furthermore, Wike who also described the construction of the terminals as a practical demonstration of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, assured that the project will be adequately funded to ensure its timely completion.
He also thanked the National Assembly for its unwavering support to the FCT which he said has helped in the provision of infrastructure for the benefit of the people.