By Ben Adoga, Abuja
Yesterday, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, flagged off the construction of the Central Business District (CBD) bus and taxi terminal in Abuja.
The exercise marks the third in the series, having earlier flagged off one in Kugbo and another in Mabushi.
While flagging off the contract at the car park of the popular Eagle Square, which has been converted to a bus terminal, Wike said the terminal would be modern and befitting compared to its counterparts in advanced countries.
“Abuja is a beautiful city. So, why can’t we have what we enjoy in other countries when we visit advanced countries,” the Minister asked rhetorically.
According to him, the bus terminal would improve security and provide a conducive environment for visitors and residents alike.
Wike charged the contractor with delivering the project according to schedule, as there would be no contract variation or augmentation.
He said funding was not a challenge to the FCT Administration and that he would not award any contract without a provision for funding.
“There will be no augmentation for this project. The money for the project is not a problem. It has been provided. FCT does not award contracts if the fund is not available. We don’t award contracts without money,” Wike stressed.
He added that the projects were not for personal ego but for the people’s interest.
Earlier, the contractor assured us that the project would be delivered on time and that a bus terminal would be constructed to enhance the FCT’s beauty and aesthetics because “This is very unique. It’s right at the centre of Abuja, which is the centre of Nigeria.”
“We can’t do anything less. We will deliver what is romantic. It shall be exactly like what we see in advanced countries. You will see what you have not seen anywhere else. I will not disappoint. We will deliver well ahead of time.”
The terminal’s proposed facilities include an information desk, waiting area, ticketing booth, ATM points, and retail shops. Other facilities include conveniences, a loading bay, a public address system, CCTV, and others.
The three projects would be commissioned on the same day. During the flag-off of the Mabushi project, it was announced that they would be commissioned in May 2025.
