President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Tuesday, officially commissioned the first-ever public bus terminal in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, marking a historic milestone in urban transportation infrastructure.
Represented by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Tajudeen Abbas, the president declared that his administration is taking “decisive steps” to instill order, safety, and accountability in the nation’s public transport sector.
The terminal, located in Mabushi, is part of a trio of new, modernized bus and taxi terminals designed to revolutionize the transport experience in the city. President Tinubu expressed pleasure that another terminal, located in Kugbo, is also set for commissioning, while a third in the Central Business District is nearing completion.
In his address, President Tinubu described the initiative as “truly transformative,” stating that the terminal symbolizes his government’s steadfast commitment to safeguarding lives, enhancing public security, and promoting prosperity among Abuja residents.
“For too long, our beautiful capital city has grappled with the challenges of an informal transport system,” he noted. “This has led to traffic congestion and the unfortunate rise in ‘one chance’ crimes that compromise the peace and safety of our citizens.”
He emphasized that the new terminals would not only offer organized pick-up and drop-off points but also guarantee that vehicles and drivers are verified and documented. This, he said, is a “critical stride” toward improving urban safety and restoring order to Abuja’s transport landscape.
The president also spoke about the economic impact of the terminal, stating that the construction of the three bus stations provided over 3,000 direct and indirect jobs. “From skilled artisans to general laborers, this initiative has put food on tables and rekindled hope for countless families,” he said, adding that the project aligns with the employment and empowerment goals of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, in his welcome remarks, outlined the broader transport infrastructure vision of the FCT administration. He disclosed that apart from the terminals in Mabushi, Kugbo, and the Central Business District, more terminals will be built in Wuye, Bwari, and Kuje within the year.
Wike said the primary goal behind constructing the terminals is to bolster security by phasing out unauthorized commercial vehicles and minimizing the risks of criminal activities associated with them.
“We are trying to eliminate the ‘one chance’ syndrome,” the minister explained. “Commuters will now board vehicles in a secured environment, where both the drivers and vehicles are registered and accounted for. This will make travel within Abuja safer for everyone.”
He also highlighted the terminals’ role in addressing the capital city’s traffic management challenges. “The indiscriminate parking and chaotic roadside pickups will be drastically reduced. These terminals will provide a centralized, organized space for public transportation activities.”
Wike lamented that a city of Abuja’s status lacked a bus terminal until now but expressed gratitude for the political will and legislative support that brought the project to fruition.
Importantly, the FCT Minister clarified that the terminals will not be operated by government agencies. Instead, they will be managed through a concession arrangement with private operators to ensure efficiency, maintenance, and sustainability.
“The terminal will operate round the clock and offer modern amenities such as food courts, restrooms, and entertainment facilities,” Wike said, adding that integrated commercial features—including relaxation areas and cinema halls—will enrich the commuter experience.
With the successful commissioning of the Mabushi terminal, Abuja appears poised to set a new standard for public transportation in Nigeria, reflecting a broader commitment to urban reform, safety, and economic revitalization.
What you should know
President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated Abuja’s first official bus terminal in Mabushi, marking a significant step toward transforming the city’s public transport system.
The terminal will be privately operated, offer 24-hour service, and aims to eliminate ‘one chance’ crimes by regulating drivers and vehicles. Additional terminals are underway across other parts of the FCT.
