FCT bus terminals await FEC approval to commence operations — Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said that the three newly constructed bus and taxi terminals in Abuja will begin operations once the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approves a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement for their management.

Wike gave the update on Thursday after inspecting ongoing road projects across the capital city.

The FCT Administration began construction of the terminals in 2024 at Kugbo, Mabushi, and the Central Business District (CBD) at a total cost of ₦51 billion.

While the Kugbo and Mabushi terminals were completed and inaugurated in June 2025 to mark President Bola Tinubu’s second year in office, the CBD facility is nearing completion. Despite their inauguration, the completed terminals are yet to commence operations.

According to the minister, the delay stems from the need for FEC approval to engage qualified private operators to manage the facilities, as the contract exceeds ministerial approval.

“After building the terminals, we decided they would not be run by the Transport Secretariat but by competent private operators,” Wike said. “The process has passed through the Bureau of Public Procurement, and we expect FEC approval at the next council meeting. Once approved, operations will begin.”

He added that the terminals are part of broader efforts to modernise Abuja’s transport infrastructure, reduce traffic congestion, and curb indiscriminate roadside parking by providing organised spaces for buses and taxis.

Wike also revealed plans to construct additional terminals in Gwagwalada, Bwari, and Kuje.

Speaking on the facilities, Managing Director of Planet Project Ltd, Biodun Otunola, said the Kugbo and Mabushi terminals are designed to handle more than 10,000 passengers daily and accommodate up to 120 buses and taxis each for both intercity and intra-city travel. The CBD terminal, he noted, will mainly serve intra-city operations.

Otunola added that each terminal would create at least 100 jobs across security, ticketing, facility management, maintenance, and other operational units.

“It’s very huge — like running a mini airport,” he said, noting that the FCT would require at least 12 such terminals in the long term to adequately serve the territory.