Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are pressing for the immediate activation of taxi and bus terminals in Kugbo, Mabushi, and the Central Business District, which have been completed but remain unused. Abuja Metro has reported that despite the completion of these facilities months ago, they have yet to commence operations, causing frustration among the public.
A resident of Nyanya, Audu Ali, expressed his disappointment, “We were happy when we saw the project nearing completion because we believed it would reduce the stress we go through daily. But till now, nothing is happening there.”The delay has also been a source of hardship for workers living in satellite towns, according to Mrs Grace Danjuma, a city centre employee.
Commercial driver Mr Sani Mohammed highlighted the potential benefits of the terminals, “For us drivers, it will make things easier because there will be proper loading points. It will also reduce harassment by touts and make movement more organized.”Additionally, Mrs Ngozi Eze, a trader in Karu, anticipates that the terminals will stimulate business activities in the area.
Minister Nyesom Wike has previously assured that the terminals would soon begin operations following approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC). During a visit to Abuja, Wike disclosed that President Bola Tinubu and the FEC had approved the management of the Mabushi and Kugbo bus terminals under a Public-Private Partnership arrangement. He explained that the management required approval beyond the ministerial level, which delayed the operations. “We had to go to the FEC, and now the management has been approved, “Wike said adding that the management team was actively working to ensure operations commence promptly.
Source: allafrica
