The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has ordered the contractor handling the Mabushi Bus Terminal project back to site, insisting that the current level of finishing is unacceptable and must be corrected before the facility can be commissioned.
Wike, who gave the directive during an inspection of ongoing infrastructure projects across the capital city, emphasized that quality finishing is a non-negotiable requirement for all public structures under his watch.
“We are now in the bus terminal which is almost ready, but I have told the Secretary of Transport, a lot of work still has to be done. I will not accept the finishing because finishing is key,” the Minister said. “The contractor must come back here to do what he is supposed to do so that we can invite Mr. President to inaugurate the Mabushi Bus Terminal.”
He said while the pace of work was commendable, aesthetic and structural precision must not be compromised. “We are happy with what we are seeing, but the finishing of structures like this is key. I have pointed out some of the things I thought should be corrected.”
Key Road Projects Progressing Steadily
Wike also inspected several road projects and gave updates on their timelines. He expressed satisfaction with the work on the Apo-Wassa road being executed by CGC, assuring residents that it would soon be completed.
“The one from Apo to Wassa—you can see that CGC is doing a very good job, and by the grace of God, that’ll be ready,” he said.
He also commended the progress on the interchange along the Kubwa Expressway, handled by Gilmor. “They have also assured us that it will be ready.”
However, he expressed cautious optimism regarding the Jabi-Mabushi road link. “The one we have doubts about is the one that has to join Jabi and Mabushi. But they still believe that by the second week of June, they will have rounded it up. So let’s believe what they have said.”
Clarification on New Land Allocation Policy
The Minister also clarified the rationale behind the FCTA’s new land allocation policy, which requires beneficiaries to pay for their Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) within 21 days and develop allocated plots within two years.
“We are trying to stop land speculators. Somebody who says they want land in Abuja and cannot develop it in two years—that is simply land speculation,” he said.
Wike noted that many individuals acquire land only to hold onto it for years without development, hoping to resell at a profit. “So many people will get R-of-O and keep it for four years, looking for who will buy the land. We don’t want to allow that anymore.”
He described the 21-day payment window as both realistic and necessary for revenue generation. “You cannot apply for land and then say you don’t have money to pay for the C-of-O. It doesn’t make sense. Twenty-one days is enough,” he maintained.
Minister Defends Legality of the Policy
When asked whether there was a legal framework backing the new policy, Wike responded confidently: “You don’t need a law. It’s a regulation, and the Minister has the power to carry out administrative reform.”
He reiterated the FCTA’s commitment to driving infrastructural development and urban renewal through transparent land administration and timely execution of capital projects.
