By Remi Johnson
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has commenced the operationalisation of its Mabuchi and Central bus and taxi terminals as part of efforts to eliminate illegal motor parks, improve passenger safety and modernise Abuja’s transportation system.
The Mandate Secretary, FCTA Transportation Secretariat, Mr. Chinedum Elechi, who disclosed in Abuja while briefing journalists on the commencement of operations at the Mabushi and Central Business District terminals, urged commuters and transporters to comply.
Mr. Elechi said the administration would also construct additional modern bus and taxi terminals across the Federal Capital Territory to strengthen the transport network and provide commuters with safer and more organised travel facilities.
He urged commuters and transport operators to embrace the new facilities as the administration continued expanding modern transportation infrastructure across the Federal Capital Territory.
He explained that the move was part of the FCTA’s broader vision of transforming Abuja into a world-class city through sustained investments in transportation infrastructure under the leadership of the Minister of the FCT, Mr. Nyesom Wike.
Addressing concerns over the reliance on informal loading points such as Berger and Area 1 roundabouts, Elechi said the transition to centralised terminals was necessary to improve security, orderliness and operational efficiency.
“We are building these in strategic locations. The terminals in Kugbo and Mabushi are purely designed for intercity travel.Whether a passenger is traveling to Aba, Lokoja, Owerri, or Sokoto, they need a safe, secure, and comfortable environment to board.You cannot guarantee what happens when you board a bus at an ad-hoc arrangement, which has contributed to the ‘one-chance’ security challenges,” he said.
According to him, the first phase of the project covers the Mabushi, Kugbo and Central Business District terminals, with the Central Business District facility designed mainly for intracity transportation.
He added that more terminals had already been captured in the administration’s expansion plans.
Drawing comparisons with successful transport reforms in other cities, Mr Elechi said Abuja must embrace organised transit systems comparable to global standards.
“I have traveled all over the world, and even right here on our doorstep, cities are tidying up. If Lagos could transform the madness of Oshodi into modern transport hubs, why shouldn’t the FCT be tidied up?” he said.
The Mandate Secretary further explained that the terminals would serve as central transport hubs connected through structured last-mile services involving designated bus shelters, taxis and e-hailing platforms.
“We cannot put a bus terminal in everybody’s backyard, just as we cannot put an airport everywhere.The terminals serve as primary hubs. When passengers return from a 12-hour journey from Aba or elsewhere, the last-mile network will safely convey them from the hub to their final destinations.
“Whether through local buses, taxis or private pickups, the system is designed to ensure passengers complete their journeys safely and conveniently,” he said.