More than three months after their commissioning by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in June 2025, two newly constructed bus terminals in Abuja remain locked and inactive, much to the frustration of commuters still facing transportation challenges across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The terminals, located in Kugbo along the Abuja-Nyanya-Mararaba road and Mabushi along the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua way, were designed as part of efforts to overhaul Abuja’s chaotic transport system and eliminate informal roadside pick-up points known for insecurity and “one-chance” criminal incidents.
The third terminal, situated in the Central Business Area, is still under construction. All three terminals were planned to operate 24 hours a day, serving over 10,000 passengers and accommodating 120 buses and taxis daily for intercity and interstate travel.
They are equipped with facilities including relaxation areas, cinema halls, food courts, and shopping malls to enhance commuter experience.
The terminals were initially conceived and contract awarded by the previous FCT administration led by Minister Nyesom Wike in May 2024.
Wike emphasized the goal of providing secure, convenient travel and generating employment, targeting the notorious insecurity linked to unregulated transport operations.
Despite the modern infrastructure being fully completed and ready for use, the terminals have not been opened to commuters.
A senior aide to the FCT Minister cited ongoing due diligence and regulatory processes connected to concessioning operations to private sector operators as causing the delay. These steps are necessary to ensure transparency and proper management before public use begins.
Meanwhile, roadside pickups and informal taxi ranks continue to pose safety risks, adding to commuter complaints.
NoSecurity agencies have launched efforts such as ‘Operation Sweep Abuja’ to tackle crime in transportation hotspots, but the delay in opening the terminals remains a key concern for residents.
The FCT administration assures the public that the terminals will be operational soon once all legal and administrative procedures are finalized, and promises the new transport infrastructure will transform urban mobility, safety, and commuter convenience in Abuja.
