Wike: Underground Facilities Delaying Abuja Central Business District Terminal Take-off

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja 

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has attributed the delay of the take-off of the construction of the Abuja Central Business District Terminal to issues about underground facilities on the right of way. 

He stated this yesterday during inspection visit to assess the level of work at the Mabushi and Kugbo bus terminals.

He said the issues surrounding the Central Business District bus terminal that will have an underground railway connecting the bus terminal had been resolved, effectively paving the way for work to commence.

  “We had some problems there, but we have been able to sort them out. There are a lot of underground facilities that they have tried to settle with the FCDA. I’m sure that very soon, work will seriously start there,” Wike said.

The minister also disclosed that the administration would no longer allow taxis and buses to pick passengers on the road from January 2025.

“By the time we finish these terminals, you don’t need to be having those ones; we won’t allow buses and taxis to pick on the roads. Everybody has to move to the various terminals,” Wike said.

 He expressed excitement at the progress of work at the two projects that were flagged off on July 1, 2024, noting that despite the 15-month duration given to the contractor to complete the project, he had assured of the timely completion of project before the stated period. 

“He has also told us that by January, he will deliver those projects – in Mabushi and Kugbo – to us. I am happy that at the end of the day, the residents of Abuja will see that we have changed the landscape of the area, we have given them an efficient transportation system and we are very happy with what we have seen,” he said.

Wike stressed that the projects will change Abuja’s landscape and improve transportation in the nation’s capital when completed.

 “I’m so excited. This site (Mabushi bus terminal) was flagged off in July of this year, and within three months, you can see what they’ve been able to do.

 “The quality of work, you can see for yourself. If you were here when we flagged off the two, you would know that they have really done very well.

 “I’m happy that at the end of the day, the residents of Abuja would see that we have changed the landscape of the area; we have given them different transportation systems, which they have been yearning for but lacked for years. So, we are very happy with what we have seen,” Wike said.