Wike reiterates commitment to full operation of Bus Terminals

•Says only awaiting FEC’s approval

By Stanley Onyekwere

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has reiterated the commitment of the Administration to the full operation of its newly constructed bus terminals across the territory, expressing hope that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) would soon approve the operational contract.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Thursday, February 12, 2026, shortly after an extensive inspection tour of ongoing infrastructure projects, the Minister explained that the management of the terminals required FEC intervention as the scope exceeded ministerial approval limits.

He made it clear that the FCT Administration had opted for a private-sector management model rather than using the Transportation Secretariat, to ensure that the facilities are handled by individuals with proven professional competence and expressed confidence that the proposal will be approved, when presented at the next FEC meeting, allowing operations to commence immediately.

The Minister said, “We are waiting for the Federal Executive Council to approve the operational contract. The contract is beyond the ministerial approval and so it requires the Federal Executive Council approval. I know that in the next FEC meeting, it will be presented. It’s not as easy as we thought.

“We said we are not going to allow the Transport Secretariat to manage it; it will be handled by private individuals who have the competence. So, we believe in the next Federal Executive Council meeting, it will be approved and once that is approved, we hit the road”.

During the tour, the Minister detailed the progress of several high-priority projects aimed at decongesting the city and boosting economic activity.

At the Wuse-to-Central Business Districts link road, currently being executed by Levante Construction, the Minister noted that the project was on track to be completed and handed over by June this year.

Similarly, the Minister praised the high-quality of the access road to the Mabushi bus terminal, being handled by Setraco, adding that the project is expected to be ready for inauguration during the third anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

 Deputy Director, Press (Office of the Minister), Rabi Musa Umar

Other major sites inspected included the Arterial Road N1 connecting Wuye district and Ring Road 2 (RR2), managed by Arab Contractors, which is slated for completion by the end of the year, as well as the 17-kilometer Dei-Dei/Karmo road, which traverses densely populated communities such as Dei-Dei, Gwagwa, Idu, Karmo and Jiwa, eventually linking to the Life Camp axis of the Obafemi Awolowo way.

Barr. Wike highlighted that the corridor is essential for opening up the FCT and is also scheduled for inauguration during the President’s third anniversary.

“You can attest to the fact that we have really opened up the Federal Capital Territory. Mr. President is doing quite a lot and I’m so happy we have been given the opportunity to also contribute our own quota. There are so many projects that touch the lives of the people and improve economic activities of the areas”, Barr. Wike said.

Addressing the sustainability of these massive undertakings, the Minister revealed that the projects are funded primarily through the FCT’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) rather than the Federation Account allocation. He explained that an aggressive and successful drive for IGR has provided the necessary liquidity to maintain construction momentum, noting that the Federation Account allocation barely covers the FCTA’s salary obligations.

On the recurring issue of infrastructure security, Barr. Wike disclosed that the administration is taking decisive steps to end the vandalism of streetlights in the FCT.

The Minister pointed out that under the new contracts with CCECC and CGC, advanced security features and a centralized situation room for real-time monitoring are being integrated into the lighting systems.

He noted that CCECC has nearly completed the airport road installation, adding that the new technology-driven approach will replace the need for physical police presence at every pole, making the infrastructure more resilient against criminal activities.

Barr. Wike further commended the contractors for their dedication to quality and schedule, and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to delivering projects that directly improve the lives of FCT residents under the Renewed Hope Agenda.