Wike launches bus, taxi terminals structure in Abuja
Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike
Wike launches bus, taxi terminals structure in Abuja.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike on Monday, inaugurated the construction of a bus and taxi terminal in the Central Business District.
The Central Business terminal is the third to be flagged off under the Wike-led administration, after previously flagging off the Mabushi and Kugbo terminals in July.
Speaking during the ceremony held at the Eagles Square in Abuja, the minister noted the importance of the bus terminals in ensuring the safety of commuters and passengers in the city and providing some recreational activities, including having a built-in cinema.
Wike also gave assurances that the project will be completed in the coming year, adding that the bus terminal will integrate and improve the transport system in the FCT while appreciating the support of President Bola Tinubu.
“By the grace of God through the support of Mr President, we have continued to expand the road structure. Yet, if we expand the road infrastructure without linking it with the various bus terminals, we do not think we would be able to achieve what we should achieve.
“What we are trying to do is to integrate and improve our transport system. It is going to cut all these so-called one-chance crimes, that are always committed. I believe by the grace of God, next year, as the contractor has promised us, we will formally commission these three bus and taxi terminals to the glory of God,” Wike stated.
The minister also explained that the terminal will have modern facilities such as cinemas and restaurants, to provide recreation for commuters using the bus terminals.
“Also, you can come here and relax until when your bus or taxi takes you out, with all the modern facilities. Sometimes when we go to train stations overseas, we see the facilities, and restaurants, people go and watch films, people just relax. That is the way it is supposed to be in a city like Abuja, and I can assure all of you that by the grace of God, this Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President as I have said severally, is not just by talking, it is by reality, as seeing is believing”, he said.
While giving the project overview, the Mandate Secretary of the Transportation Secretariat, Chinedum Elechi, said the terminal will not only serve the CBD, noting that by the master plan, the terminal will have an underground light rail in the future, that will be linked to the metro station, also in the business district.
“Of the three Bus/Taxi Terminals, this one is strategically located. It will not only serve the busy Central Business District but it is located at the Transportation Interchange. Next to this Bus/Taxi Terminal is a transit corridor for future underground light rail, which by the Abuja Master Plan, will run metres below the surface with train stops underground and then an intermodal transfer of commuters from the underground train stops to the Bus/Taxi Terminal above ground where we are standing. The rail line will be connected from the Metro Station at Central Business District”, Elechi said.
