By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike has said that the construction of Bus Terminals in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, would curb the wave of One – chance robbery in Abuja.
Wike said this on Monday at the flag-off ceremony of the construction of the Central Bus and Taxi Terminal at the Central Business District of the city.
The Central Bus Terminal flag- off is the third in the series of bus terminal constructions in the nation’s capital, after the Mabushi and Kugbo bus terminals.
“What we are trying to do is to integrate and improve our transport system. It is going to cut all these so-called one-chance crimes, that are always committed.”
The minister said that for security reasons, “The bus and taxi terminal is where you can come in and the management of these bus and taxi terminals will know that these are the vehicles that are going to such a place, and these are the vehicles you have boarded.”
“So part of what we are doing today is the establishment of robust bus and taxi terminals, where you can go there and say “I’m going to Gwagwalada” and we are aware, if anything happens, this is the vehicle and this is the driver that would be held responsible.”
Abuja is a beautiful city. By the grace of God, through the support of Mr. President, we have continued to expand the road infrastructure. If we expand the road infrastructure without linking it with the various bus terminals, I don’t think we have been able to achieve what we want to achieve, he explained.
According to Wike, the bus terminals will also serve as relaxation spots with modern facilities for commuters to enjoy until they board vehicles to their different destinations.
The Minister of State for FCT, Dr.Mariya Mahmoud appreciated the FCT minister for his visionary leadership, guidance, and commitment to actualize this infrastructure in Abuja.
Mahmoud also commended the Transportation Secretariat for its efforts at enhancing the transportation network in Abuja.
The Mandate Secretary of the Transport Secretariat, Dr. Chinedum Elechi stated that the bus terminal will change the face of public transportation in the FCT.
Elechi said, ” When completed, this bus/taxi terminal will impact largely on the public transportation of Abuja and will
significantly reduce traffic congestion as there will be fewer private cars on the road, thus leading to faster travel times, less stress for commuters, and lower costs related to vehicle wear and fuel consumption.”
” This is important for the FCT, which has an estimated population of about 4 million people living in an area of
about 7,620 square kilometers.”
It is also true that cities with well-developed public Transit are more attractive to tourists, facilitating easy
access to attractions and amenities, he added.
