The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced that newly upgraded bus terminals in Abuja are not just about beauty and modernization — they are part of a broader plan to stop the growing threat of “one chance” robberies in the city.
Speaking after an inspection tour of the Mabushi and Wuye bus terminals, Wike explained that the government is focused on creating a safe and organized transport system, where commuters can board registered vehicles only from designated terminals.
“The goal is simple — if people board buses from controlled terminals, it becomes easy to track the drivers and the vehicles. That alone will greatly reduce the chances of criminal activity disguised as public transport,” Wike said.
Wike added that the terminals are being constructed with safety, comfort, and accountability in mind. “This is not just about infrastructure. It’s about protecting lives and restoring order to our roads,” he said.
He also praised the contractors handling the projects for responding to past criticisms and improving the quality of finishing at the sites. “When I visited before, I was not happy with the finishing, and I said so. But today, I’m impressed. There is clear improvement,” Wike stated.
While the terminals are expected to be part of the projects to be commissioned during President Bola Tinubu’s second-year anniversary celebrations, Wike clarified that inauguration may happen in phases. “Commissioning everything on May 29 isn’t realistic,” he said, noting that the President may choose different dates for different projects.
The bus terminal upgrade is part of a larger transformation effort in the capital city, including major road constructions. Wike assured Abuja residents that the projects are being executed based on available resources and with careful financial planning.
“Every project we take on is backed by the resources we have. We don’t just award contracts for show,” he emphasized.
“One chance” refers to a form of robbery where unsuspecting passengers are lured into private vehicles posing as commercial transport and then attacked or robbed. The crime has become a major concern in Abuja in recent years, especially among women and workers who rely on daily public transport.
