…Lauds Wike’s Bold Reforms, Says Renewed Hope Agenda Is Now Reality
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the newly commissioned Mabushi Bus Terminal as a powerful symbol of his administration’s commitment to safe, orderly, and economically empowering public transportation in Nigeria’s capital.
Speaking through the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, at the commissioning ceremony in Abuja on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, President Tinubu said the facility represents more than just a building—it reflects the transformational vision of the Renewed Hope Agenda in action.
“No longer will our citizens be at the mercy of unregulated, impromptu pick-up points,” the President declared. “They will now access a secure and well-regulated terminal where both drivers and vehicles are known and registered.”
He noted that the Mabushi terminal—one of three under construction in the Federal Capital Territory—is a critical response to longstanding challenges of transport-related insecurity and congestion. “This project is a vital step toward eliminating ‘one chance’ criminal operations and traffic chaos that undermine the safety and order of our capital city,” Tinubu said.
The President further highlighted the economic impact of the initiative, revealing that over 3,000 direct and indirect jobs were created during the construction phase. “This terminal has put food on tables and restored hope to families. It is a practical expression of our administration’s dedication to job creation as a key pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.
He commended the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, for his visionary leadership and drive. “His commitment to delivering quality infrastructure for the people of Abuja is evident in the speed and excellence with which this terminal was completed,” Tinubu said. He also lauded the project contractors, Planet Projects, for turning the vision into reality.
Beyond serving as a transit point, the terminal features commercial and recreational amenities such as cinema halls, food courts, and rest zones, designed to enhance commuter experience and reflect the dignity of Nigeria’s capital. “We are not just opening a building,” Tinubu remarked. “We are opening a new chapter in public transport in Abuja.”
In his own remarks, FCT Minister Barr. Nyesom Wike described the project as a significant milestone and a direct response to insecurity, urban disorder, and the lack of organized transport facilities in the capital city.
“It is unfortunate that a city like Abuja has never had a proper bus terminal before now,” Wike said. “But today, that has changed. This terminal is not just about buses—it’s about dignity, safety, and a better quality of life for Abuja residents.”
He said the terminal is part of a broader strategy to curb the menace of “one chance” operators and unauthorized vehicles on the roads. “With this facility, commuters will know the registered drivers and vehicles they are boarding. That alone improves safety and public trust,” he explained.
Wike revealed that the terminal will not be operated by the FCTA’s Transport Secretariat but will be concessioned to private operators to ensure efficient, round-the-clock service delivery. “This is a 24-hour terminal. It will include food courts, restrooms, and entertainment facilities, offering a safe and convenient environment for commuters,” he said.
The Minister also unveiled plans to expand the transport infrastructure across the territory. “In addition to Mabushi, we are constructing terminals at Kubwa and the Central Business District. The Kubwa terminal will be commissioned next week, while the Central Area terminal will be completed before the end of the year. We also plan to build new terminals in Wuye, Bwari, and Kuje before the year ends,” he added.
Wike thanked President Tinubu and the National Assembly for their consistent support, promising that the FCT Administration will continue to deliver people-centered projects that improve the lives of residents and modernize the capital.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Ahmed Alkali, hailed the Tinubu administration for making an unprecedented federal investment in Nigeria’s transport infrastructure.
“This is the first time in the history of Nigeria that the Federal Government is making this scale of investment in the transport sector, outside rail and road infrastructure,” Alkali said. He announced that the President had approved the construction of six new bus terminals across the six geopolitical zones, located in Abeokuta, Onitsha, Warri, Lokoja, Gombe, and Kano.
He explained that the locations were strategically chosen based on commercial viability and regional development potential. “These projects aim to stimulate inclusive growth by providing modern, efficient transport facilities in critical areas,” he said.
Alkali emphasized the importance of transportation as a driver of national development. “Globally, transport is recognised as an enabler of economic growth. It is a gateway to job creation, trade, and improved livelihoods,” he noted.
The Minister praised Barr. Wike for initiating and delivering the Mabushi terminal project, calling it a perfect example of how the Renewed Hope Agenda is being implemented at the sub-national level. “This terminal will improve public transport efficiency and stimulate economic activities in Abuja,” he said.
He urged transport unions and stakeholders to take full ownership of the facility and ensure its optimal use. “I appeal to all relevant stakeholders to support this initiative. Let us make the most of this investment, protect it, and encourage the government to do more for the dignity and welfare of our road users and transport operators,” Alkali added.
The Minister pledged continued collaboration between the Ministry of Transportation and the FCT Administration to deliver more infrastructure that supports mobility, safety, and economic growth. “We will keep working together to place transportation at the heart of our national development agenda,” he concluded.
The commissioning of the Mabushi Bus Terminal marks the beginning of a new era in public transportation for Abuja—one that prioritizes safety, dignity, efficiency, and economic empowerment in line with the Tinubu administration’s vision for a modern Nigeria.
