The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike has pledged his administration commitment to reforming the transportation sector in the territory.
He stated this during the flagged off of the construction of a bus and taxi terminal in the Central Business District of Abuja.
The development, he said, will curb insecurity in the nation’s capital.
Wike stressed the commitment of the FCT Administration to expanding transportation infrastructure in the FCT with the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Minister, who stated that the provision of road infrastructure in the FCT will not be complete without linking them to the various bus and taxi terminals, also said the project will be constructed according to modern standards and will have facilities for relaxation, including restaurants.
The Minister recalled that the FCTA had earlier flagged off the construction of two bus terminals in Mabushi and Kugbo axis of the FCT and added that the provision of a bus terminal in the CBD will not only improve transportation but will also help to address one chance menace.
He said the management of the bus terminals will ensure that buses and taxi operators at the various terminals are clearly identified for security reasons.
Wike said: “Before now, we have flagged off two bus terminals, one in Mabushi and one in Kugbo. This one is for the Central Business District, which is like the centre of the city.
“Some of us who have had the privilege of traveling overseas or traveling to other countries have come across these facilities. What comes to mind is why is it that we cannot also have the same facilities that we enjoy when we go outside the country?
“Abuja is a beautiful city. By the grace of God, through the support of Mr. President, we have continued to expand the road infrastructure, improve the efficiency of public transportation, reduce traffic congestion and provide a more comfortable and convenient travel experience for both residents and visitors.
“What we are trying to do is to integrate and improve our transport system. It is going to cut off this so-called “one chance” that is always committed here.
“The management of these bus and taxi terminals will know that these are the vehicles that go to so and so place and these are the vehicles you have boarded. For security reasons, we will be able to identify them, unlike where you will go and stand on the road, you don’t know who is plying the vehicle.
“Part of what we are doing today is establishing a bus and taxi terminal that you can go and say that I am going to Gwagwalada and we are aware. If anything happens, this is the vehicle and this is the driver that will be held responsible”.
