The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration, led by Minister Nyesom Wike, in June 2024 completed two of its three planned modern bus terminals in Kugbo and Mabushi.
The third terminal in the Central Business District is still under construction due to location issues and is expected to be ready by the end of the year.
Equipped with air-conditioned waiting areas, cinemas, Wi-Fi, and food courts, the terminals were designed to improve commuter safety, reduce road congestion, and curb crimes such as “one-chance” robberies.
They were commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with the promise of transforming Abuja’s public transport system.
But more than a month later, both completed terminals remain locked.
“It is not enough to cut ribbons, we need buses on the roads. We need trained staff and proper timetables,” said Mr. Tunde Balogun, a business owner in Wuse.
Daily commuters from Kubwa, Kuje, Lugbe, Karu, and Nyanya say they still face long waits, overcrowded vehicles, and rising fares.
“Every morning I pass the Kugbo terminal and it is always shut. These terminals aren’t helping anyone,” Mrs. Halima Hashir, who spends over ₦5,000 daily on transport lamented.
Experts have warned the facilities could become a wasted investment without urgent action.
“What we need now is not more terminals but buses, clear routes, trained drivers, and a regulatory system that works,” said public policy analyst Dr. Adetokunbo Margret.
An official from the FCT Transport Secretariat attributed the delay to the ongoing process of concessions for the terminals to private operators, assuring that operations will begin once agreements are finalized.
Until then, residents say they remain stranded, waiting for buses and for promises to become reality.
