President Bola Tinubu has declared a new era in public transportation for residents of the nation’s capital, as he commissioned the Mabushi Bus Terminal.
The terminal is the first of three state-of-the-art public transit hubs aimed to reorganise the urban transport and to curb criminality, particularly the notorious “one-chance” syndicates.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony held at the Mabushi District on Tuesday, the president described the terminal as more than a mere infrastructure project.
“This magnificent edifice… represents far more than just a transportation hub. It is a tangible symbol of our unwavering commitment to the safety, security, and prosperity of every resident of Abuja,” President Tinubu said in a speech delivered on his behalf by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas.
He noted that for years, Abuja residents have suffered the consequences of an informal and largely unregulated transport system. The president highlighted the grave consequences of the disorderly status quo:
“For too long, our beautiful capital city has grappled with the challenges of an informal transport system, leading to traffic congestion and, regrettably, the menace of ‘one chance’ crimes that have threatened the peace of our citizens,” he said.
According to the president, the new terminal, alongside the already completed Kugbo terminal and the soon-to-be-commissioned Kubwa terminal, is designed to address the issues head-on.
“No longer will our citizens be left to the mercy of impromptu pick-up points. They will now have a secure, well-regulated environment to board their vehicles, knowing that both the drivers and the vehicles are known and registered,” Tinubu said.
Beyond transport reform, the president highlighted the economic impact of the terminal projects and revealed that their construction created over 3,000 direct and indirect jobs for residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Mabushi Bus Terminal
“From skilled artisans to general laborers, this initiative has put food on tables and rekindled hope for countless families,” he noted, calling the project a practical expression of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The president added that the terminal would double as a commercial and relaxation hub for commuters.
“It will feature integrated commercial activities… cinema halls where commuters can unwind, and other essential services. These are the state-of-the-art facilities that a capital city like Abuja truly deserves,” he was quoted as saying.
Tinubu commended the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, describing his leadership as “instrumental” in delivering the project on time and to a high standard.
“His commitment to providing first-class infrastructure for Abuja is evident in the quality and speed of delivery we celebrate today,” Tinubu stated, and also appreciated the contractors, Planet Projects, for their professionalism and execution.
“Today, as we inaugurate the Mabushi Bus Terminal, we are not just opening a building; we are opening a new chapter for public transportation in Abuja,” he said.
He called on residents to embrace the facility and partner with the authorities to build a safer, more efficient capital city.
“I urge all residents and transporters to make full use of this facility… and to embrace this new era of organized and secure public transit.
“This is a clear demonstration that our Renewed Hope Agenda is not merely a slogan,” President Tinubu added, “but a lived experience for our people.”
In his address, Wike said, “It is unfortunate that a city like Abuja has never had a bus terminal before. But we thank God that today, our prayers have been answered.”
He emphasised the significance of the project, saying it was designed primarily to enhance urban safety, saying, “The real essence of this project is to enhance security by reducing the number of unauthorized vehicles on the road. We are trying to eliminate the ‘one chance’ syndrome, where commuters are vulnerable to attacks by unknown drivers.”
Wike also outlined plans for further expansion. Beyond Mabushi, Kubwa, and the Central Business Area, the administration said it intends to build additional terminals in Wuye, Bwari, and Kuje before the year ends.
He added that the terminals would not be run by government agencies but concessioned to private operators,whicht will ensure round-the-clock, professional service delivery.
Wike further said, “The terminal will operate 24 hours a day, providing commuters with a safe and comfortable space to wait for their buses. There will be amenities such as food courts, restrooms, and entertainment facilities.”
The Minister stated the administration’s efforts to restore order, improve urban mobility, and reduce crime in Abuja.
