By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike on Monday flagged – Off the first Bus Terminal in Mabushi Area of the territory.
The Mabushi Bus Terminal Development in Section Centre A ( B15) is the first out of the three bus terminals proposed to be sited in the nation’s capital.
Wike said,” What gives comfort to our people? And so we decided we must start with three bus terminals. One each in the Central Business district, Mabushi, and Kugbo.”
According to him, distorting of the Abuja Masterplan has stalled the flag-off of the Central Business District location bus terminal.
He said, “But unfortunately, we had a problem in the Central Business district location because there was a distortion of the Abuja Master Plan. The land which was earmarked for the bus terminal and where the trains would pass through, had been allocated out and the Certificate of Occupancy , CoO, had been given out.”
“So I directed that the Central Business district location for the terminal should be left for now and start with the Mabushi terminal before we resolve that problem, adding that he had to make leadership decisions over the issue.”
According to the FCT Minister, for Abuja to be rated as a world-class City , it has to have infrastructures in place.
“This is supposed to be one of the best cities in the world. This is supposed to be a first class city, but how can it be one of the best cities in the world when those infrastructures that make that kind of city are not available? ”
“It will be difficult. A first class cannot be actualized when the infrastructures are not present. The Bus Terminal is part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President.”
“A city like Abuja does not have a bus and Taxi terminal. You will see taxis all over the place and that, of course, this is part of our insecurity problems. So many people talk about one-chance , why won’t there be one chance when you don’t even know the man whose bus or taxi you are entering?”
The Minister also said that part of the Renewed Hope Agenda is to encourage local contractors who have the capacity to deliver, adding that the contract was awarded to Planet Projects after seeing his works in Lagos and Ibadan.
“Now the burden is on him to prove and reciprocate the good gesture of Mr. President of bringing back the hope of our local contractors.”, the minister noted.
Renewed Hope Agenda, is that it is not just about human capital development, it is also about empowerment of our people.
The Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud in her welcome address noted that the bus terminal project marks a significant road transportation system in the FCT, as it will also shape Abuja’s transportation landscape.
Meanwhile, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has promised to continue to support the FCT Minister with adequate funding to ensure that projects are completed.
Hon. Abbas said, ” The National Assembly, as the legislature of the FCT, stands ready to support the Minister by enacting favourable legislations, ensuring adequate funding, and providing oversight to ensure that projects are completed on time and to the highest standards.”
He also stated that the flag-off ceremony represents more than the construction of a bus terminal, but exemplifies the remarkable outcomes that come from the fusion of vision, leadership, and collaboration.
“The construction of the Mabushi Bus Terminal is a critical step towards enhancing transportation infrastructure in the FCT and ensuring that residents can commute safely and efficiently.”
This project will improve accessibility and contribute significantly to the overall economic vitality of Abuja, he added.
