The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced sweeping reforms aimed at overhauling the territory’s transportation system to enhance security and ease commuting for residents.
Speaking on Friday ahead of the commissioning of new bus terminals in the FCT, Wike revealed that a committee is already working on a comprehensive strategy to transform the sector.
“A lot of things will happen in the transport sector—there will be a lot of reforms,” he said. “As part of security measures, we must know who is involved in taxi operations and ensure vehicles are properly identifiable. If anything happens, we will be able to identify everyone involved.”
Wike emphasised that the reforms will include the proper identification and registration of taxis, as well as the removal of makeshift parks and illegal loading points along roads. The newly built bus terminals, he explained, will integrate taxi services to ensure efficient last-mile connectivity for commuters.
“I told the contractor that what should be here is buses and taxis, not just bus terminals, so that those coming to the bus terminals can easily board taxis and continue to their destinations,” he said.
The minister also used the occasion to commend local contractors for their work on the project, while criticising detractors who have dismissed the building of motor parks as unnecessary.
“Some people, critics, will say what is wrong with them, they want to build a motor park. You see how we degenerate. As far as I am concerned, I am very happy with what I have seen,” Wike said.
Joining Wike at the event, former Governor of Benue State, Dr Samuel Ortom, praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his decision to appoint Wike as FCT minister, noting that the territory’s landscape has transformed significantly in a short time.
“Mr President is looking beyond party affiliation. That is why he brought my friend and leader, Minister Nyesom Wike, to be Minister of the Federal Capital Territory,” Ortom said.
He also commended the administration for prioritising development and security, urging residents and political actors to support the efforts to overcome challenges facing the country.
“I have gone around. I have seen Kugbo, I have seen Mabushi bus terminal. This is what we see abroad for decades. We are seeing this today in Abuja, our own country,” Ortom added.
He called on Nigerians to put aside politics and work together to support the president’s agenda for national development, noting that Tinubu’s appointments have shown his readiness to tap talent from across political divides.
“If Mr President was a partisan man, he would not bring my friend in. There are several other people that he has brought on board who are not members of the APC, but who he feels can add value to the development of our country,” Ortom said.
