Dr. Chinedum Elechi, the Mandate Secretary for Transport in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has reaffirmed the administration’s determination to build more modern terminals to improve public transportation and reduce crime in the FCT.

This comes even as the Administration appears to have abandoned multi-million naira modern bus terminals previously commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Reports indicate that these terminals—located in Kugbo, Mabushi, and the Central Business District—have not been put into use nearly a year after the President commissioned them. Daily Trust reports that there are no buses at the terminals.

Abuja Metro reports that this delay persists despite the rampant activities of “One Chance” criminals terrorizing commuters in the city.

But speaking on Tuesday at Jabi Park in Abuja during an eye screening and drug sensitization event for transport operators, the Transport Secretary stated that, in addition to the mega terminals in Mabushi, Kugbo, and the Central Area, the government plans to build three more terminals to provide comfortable spaces for commuters.

However, he did not provide a specific reason why the already completed structures remain shut.

In an interview late last year, Elechi had said that the delay was due to the administration’s efforts to engage private partners for the terminals’ operations.

Public backlash

Residents have berated the administration for constructing grand edifices without putting them to their intended use.

“What is the purpose of building an edifice that is of no use to the taxpayers, who provided the money for the project?” questioned Hajiya Tawakalitu Adisa, a civil servant.

Another resident, Philip John, urged the administration to make existing terminals operational before embarking on new projects.

“I really don’t know how these guys think,” John said. “You spend money constructing a project, you abandon it despite it being completed, and then you want to embark on others. How does that make sense? I beg, just leave these guys.”

Earlier, Mr. Segun Obayendo, National Coordinator of Transport For Tinubu 2027, explained that the eye screening initiative was designed to uplift hardworking transporters across Nigeria.

He noted that the programme enhances health, safety, and sustainability in the sector.

“The initiative covers free eye tests and care, sensitization of commercial drivers on drug abuse, and a soft loan facility provided by the transporters’ cooperative society,” he said.

Mr. Isiaka Abdullahi, Assistant Secretary of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), FCT branch, called on the government to address double taxation on drivers. He also urged the government to provide vehicles on a hire-purchase basis rather than cash loans.

“We don’t need a loan; we want vehicles. Some drivers will collect loans and use them to marry another wife. Give us vehicles, and we will not owe you. We will pay back as scheduled,” Abdullahi stated.

Mr. Ndubuisi Agabus, Assistant Director of Drug Prevention and Sensitization at the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), urged drivers to avoid drug abuse, noting it leads to accidents, violence, and poor driving.

“Drug abuse can increase the risk of overdose, mental health issues like depression and anxiety, and physical problems such as heart disease and liver damage. It also leads to financial strain due to spending on drugs and medical bills,” he warned. (Daily Trust)