Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has declared that there will be a change in FCT public transportation in the next 12 to 13 months period, following the directive of President Bola Tinubu.

Wike reaffirmed this yesterday at the inauguration of the construction of Kugbo Bus Terminal, in Abuja

He opined that Abuja, the supposed capital city of the most populated country in Africa, does not have the critical infrastructure needed to make it a great city.

Also, he wondered why FCT did not have a befitting public transportation system several years after establishment.

His words: “With what President Tinubu directed us to do, I believe in the next 12 to 13 months, there will be a change in public transportation in the FCT”.

However, the Minister explained that the bus and taxi terminal was part of a measure to address the deficit in public transportation in the nation’s capital city.

He added that the project would equally address insecurity, particularly the menace of one chance operators in the territory.

According to him, for efficient management and return on investment in the project when completed would be handed over to a private sector to operate and maintain.

He said: “This is not a project we will just say to the government, go and run. No, we will not do that. Before the project will be finished, we will enter an arrangement on how it will be operated.

“Government is not a good businessperson. If you want this project to die, the day you finish it, tell the Transport Secretariat to come and carry it, then forget it; it is gone.

“The money you have spent will be a wasted money. Their own is only to supervise, but not to operate.

“It will be operated in line with what is obtainable in every developed country and run how terminals are run.So, if you are a taxi or union, don’t come and union this one here.”

He therefore commended the National Assembly for the consistent support, particularly with respect to approved budget to deliver infrastructural projects on time.

According to him, the budget to finance the bus terminal projects have been adequately provided for in the 2024 budget.

“None of our projects will be an abandoned project; none of our projects will exceed 15 months to two years because of the support of the National Assembly.”

While inaugurating the project, the Senate President, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, described the bus terminal as a significant milestone in Abuja transportation system.

He said: “the bus terminal project is a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to enhance the infrastructure and public transportation system of the capital city of our beloved country.

“The development of the bus terminals is more than just a construction project; it is a testament to the good works and commitment of President Tinubu’s government to the progress and modernisation of Nigeria.

“This terminal will serve as a vital hub that will facilitate the efficient movement of people, reduce traffic congestion and improve the overall quality of life of residents and visitors alike in the city.”