OVER 4 MONTHS AFTER COMMISSIONING ABUJA BUS TERMINALS REMAIN UNDER LOCK GOVT SAYS THEY AREN’T READY FOR USE

By Abuja Reporters On Sep 25, 2025 10

More than three months after President Bola Tinubu unveiled two newly built bus terminals in Abuja with much fanfare, the multi-billion naira projects remain locked, leaving commuters to battle worsening transport challenges.

The terminals, located in Kugbo along the Abuja–Nyanya–Mararaba axis and in Mabushi along Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Way, were commissioned in June 2025 as part of activities marking Tinubu’s second year in office. A third terminal in the Central Business Area is still under construction.

Wike’s Transport Dream Stalled

The projects were conceived by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, in May 2024 as part of efforts to overhaul the capital’s chaotic transport system. At the time of awarding the contracts, Wike promised that the terminals would:

improve commuter safety,
reduce the menace of “one chance” robbery incidents,
provide job opportunities for residents, and
create a centralised, organised transport hub for the FCT.

Designed to handle over 10,000 passengers daily and accommodate 120 buses and taxis, the terminals were also fitted with commercial add-ons like cinemas, food courts, and shopping areas to generate revenue.

But months after their inauguration, the facilities have remained sealed, raising concerns that the commissioning was little more than a political showpiece.

Public Frustration

Residents have expressed disappointment over the prolonged closure.

“What was all the noise about then? Nothing has changed since the so-called commissioning. No buses, nothing. The two facilities have remained closed since then,”
Joseph Iwalekun, commuter.

“How can you commission something and still keep it under lock for more than three months? It is unfortunate because commuters’ suffering continues,”
Ifeoma Job, civil servant.

Many argue that the government’s delay has worsened transportation costs and left vulnerable commuters at the mercy of unsafe and unregulated transport operators.

Government Explains Delay

Chinedu Elechi, Mandate Secretary of the FCT Transport Secretariat, acknowledged the delay but said the terminals would not be opened until procurement processes under a public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement were concluded.

“The difference between government and private is bureaucracy. Once the procurement process is done on hiring the operator, we’re good to go,” Elechi explained, appealing for patience.

The Bigger Picture

The delay highlights a recurring pattern in Nigeria where projects are ceremoniously commissioned before being fully operational. Critics say such premature inaugurations are often used for political mileage, while the actual benefits to citizens remain elusive.

For Abuja residents, however, the issue is less about politics and more about survival: every extra day the terminals stay locked means more commuters exposed to insecurity, exploitative fares, and daily stress.