FCTA Unveils Plan For More Bus Terminals To End Illegal Parks, Boost Abuja’s Transport Safety
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Toyin Adebayo
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has unveiled plans to construct additional modern bus and taxi terminals across Abuja as part of a broader strategy to eliminate illegal motor parks, strengthen passenger safety and modernise the capital city’s transport system.
The Mandate Secretary of the FCTA Transportation Secretariat, Mr. Chinedum Elechi, disclosed this on Thursday while briefing journalists on the operationalisation of the newly completed Mabushi and Central Business District (CBD) bus and taxi terminals.
Elechi said the initiative reflects the administration’s determination to transform Abuja into a world-class city through a well-structured and secure transportation network, adding that provisions have already been made in future budgets for the construction of more terminals across strategic locations.
He explained that the administration’s decision to phase out informal loading points such as Berger and Area 1 roundabouts was driven by the need to improve security, restore order and enhance operational efficiency within the Federal Capital Territory.
According to him, the terminals at Mabushi and Kugbo have been specifically designed for intercity travel, providing passengers with a safe, secure and organised environment before embarking on journeys to destinations across the country.
“Whether a passenger is travelling to Aba, Lokoja, Owerri or Sokoto, they deserve a safe, secure and comfortable place to board their vehicle. The current ad-hoc arrangements expose commuters to security risks, including the menace of ‘one-chance’ operators,” Elechi said.
He noted that while the Mabushi and Kugbo terminals would serve long-distance travellers, the Central Business District terminal was designed primarily to support intracity transportation and improve mobility within Abuja.
The mandate secretary revealed that the FCT Administration, under the leadership of Minister Nyesom Wike, had already incorporated additional bus terminals into its transport expansion programme.
Drawing comparisons with successful urban renewal initiatives elsewhere, Elechi said Abuja’s transport reforms were in line with global best practices, citing Lagos’ transformation of the once-chaotic Oshodi transport corridor into a modern transit hub.
“I have travelled widely and cities across the world are improving their transport systems. If Lagos could successfully transform Oshodi into organised transport hubs, there is no reason Abuja cannot achieve even higher standards,” he said.
Elechi explained that the new terminals would function as central transport hubs connected through an organised last-mile transportation network comprising designated bus stops, taxis and e-hailing services.
“We cannot build a bus terminal in every neighbourhood just as airports cannot exist everywhere. These terminals are designed as central hubs where passengers can safely continue their journeys through structured transport services,” he said.
He added that commuters arriving after long-distance journeys would be able to complete their trips safely through coordinated local transport options linking the terminals to various parts of the city.
Elechi appealed to residents and transport operators to embrace the new facilities, stressing that the FCTA remained committed to expanding modern transport infrastructure across the Federal Capital Territory.
He maintained that beyond improving mobility, the initiative was aimed at enhancing public safety, eliminating disorderly transport operations, maintaining a cleaner city environment and establishing an efficient, reliable and globally competitive public transportation system.