3 weeks ago
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ABUJA – The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is set to commission three ultra-modern transport terminals as construction nears completion, with stakeholders praising the project’s potential to enhance public transportation, curb crime, and create jobs.
Mr. Rasheed Soladoye, Project Manager for Planet Projects, the firm handling the construction, confirmed that two of the three terminals Mabushi and Kugbo will be ready for commissioning by the end of February, while the Central Area terminal is scheduled for completion in May.
He made this known during project inspection by the FCT Minster’s Press Corp’s to the Central Area terminal over the weekend.
“We started the project in July 2024, beginning with Mabushi on July 1, followed by Kugbo. The Central Area terminal faced delays due to site acquisition issues, but we are still on track. Currently, Mabushi is 92% complete, Kugbo is 85%, and the Central Area is at 50%,” Soladoye said.
He assured that the terminals would offer state-of-the-art facilities, including commercial spaces and entertainment centers, making them more than just transport hubs.
“We are bringing world-class infrastructure to the FCT. The Central Area terminal will be a major landmark that residents will be proud of,” he added.
The project has generated over 3,000 jobs, providing employment for FCT residents in various capacities. Workers on-site expressed gratitude for the opportunity.
Abigael Jatao, a cleaner from Mabushi, shared how her job with Planet Projects transformed her life.
“Before, I was doing daily jobs cleaning homes, but now, I work for a company with stable income. This job has changed my life,” she said.
Abigail Daniel, a new employee from Plateau State, echoed similar sentiments, appreciating the employment opportunity.
“I was a house help before, but when my employer traveled and failed to set up a business for me, I had to look for work. I am grateful to have been employed here,” she said.
A welder on-site also praised the project, saying, “I have received N100,000 in a month, and I truly appreciate the minister’s efforts. This project has positively impacted my life.”
Transport stakeholders have hailed the project as a game-changer for public transportation in Abuja, with hopes that it will reduce street loading, illegal motor parks, and criminal activities like ‘one chance’ robberies.
Patrick Enyiako, Financial Secretary, Association of Luxury Bus Owners of Nigeria (Jabi), urged the government to enforce the relocation of street-side motor parks into the terminals.
“Transportation in Abuja is expensive, and these new terminals may help lower costs. More importantly, they will eliminate criminal elements who operate from illegal roadside parks,” he stated.
Edani Vincent Chienerie, Taskforce Chairman and State Chairman of the Association of Luxury Bus Owners, emphasized that the new transport terminals would improve passenger safety and traffic flow.
“With these terminals in place, passengers will no longer have to board vehicles from unsafe roadside locations. If a crime occurs, the authorities can track the responsible transport operators. This initiative will make Abuja safer and more organized,” he said.
He also appealed to the FCT Minister to modernize Jabi Central Motor Park, which has remained outdated despite promises of redevelopment.
“We are happy with the minister’s efforts, but we also want Jabi Motor Park to be modernized to meet the new standards,” he added.
With two of the three terminals set for commissioning in February and the Central Area terminal expected in May, the FCT is on track to transform its transportation system, providing safer, more efficient, and well-structured transit hubs for residents and travelers
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