Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has pledged to bring about significant reforms in Abuja’s public transportation to boost security and efficiency within the city.
Wike made these remarks on Friday while inspecting ongoing construction projects, including new bus terminals at Kugbo, Mabushi, and the Central Business District, along with road improvements heading towards the Giri District.
During his visit, he expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of the public transport system in Abuja, calling it a “national embarrassment.”
He noted that the government is committed to reducing the number of roadside motor parks, which contribute to traffic congestion and security risks. Wike also instructed contractors to design the new terminals to serve both buses and taxis, making the system more convenient for passengers.
“It is unfortunate that, for a country like ours and a federal capital territory at that, we cannot boast of a proper transportation system. Whenever we travel abroad, we observe how transport is managed elsewhere, and we should be able to replicate that here,” he said.
Wike added that many reforms are being worked on and that details will be revealed before the official commissioning of the projects.
As part of improving security, he mentioned the importance of knowing who operates taxis, including details such as vehicle colors, to make it easier to identify vehicles if incidents happen.
“Rest assured, we are doing everything possible. This time, we aim to eliminate excessive roadside parks. That is why I instructed the contractor that the terminals should cater for both buses and taxis, not just buses. Passengers arriving at the terminals will be able to board taxis to their destinations,” he explained.
