Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced the intention of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to establish new bus terminals in the Bwari and Gwagwalada Area Councils to enhance transportation in the FCT.
Wike stated this on Saturday, during an inspection of the extensive renovation of the International Conference Centre (ICC) and the upgrading of the Ushafa, War College, and Army Checkpoint roads in Bwari Area Council.
Speaking to reporters after the inspection, Wike emphasised that the new bus terminals in the satellite towns, when established, will complement existing facilities in the city centre, significantly improving transportation for residents.
He also highlighted the crucial role the terminals will play in addressing the menace of car robbery, commonly known as “one chance.”
The Minister said: “We have agreed that we are going to establish one bus terminal in Gwagwalada and one in Bwari. This will ensure that people can safely and securely travel from Bwari and Gwagwalada to various parts of the city, including Mabushi, Kugbo, and the Central Business District bus terminal. By providing these designated terminals, we aim to eliminate the problem of ‘one chance’ and ensure the safety of commuters”.
Wike reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to bridging the infrastructural gaps in the FCT, emphasizing that the focus of the “Renewed Hope Agenda” extends beyond the city centre to include the development of satellite towns.
He highlighted the ongoing 12-kilometer road project linking the entire Ushafa area and the ongoing dualization of the Kuje-Gwagwalada road as testaments to this commitment.
“The government of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu is particularly concerned about and paying attention to the satellite towns,” the Minister affirmed, adding that rural transformation is key to the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President.
Wike also stressed that the significant upgrade of the International Conference Centre, aligns with President Tinubu’s directive to provide Nigerians with world-class facilities.
The Minister also emphasised the long-term benefits of infrastructure developments in the FCT, stating that it will reduce travel times from the satellite towns to the city, encourage people to reside within the satellite towns thereby decongesting the city.
He said the essence of Providing basic amenities in the satellite towns is to curb rural-to-urban migration, which, he said, is mostly driven by the lack of infrastructure in the rural area.
“It will be a different thing, and people will no longer be compelled to live in the cities,” the Minister said.
