…Unveils reform plans
By Sarah NEGEDU
The transportation sector in the Federal Capital Territory has been described as a national embarrassment, plagued by poor coordination, rising insecurity, and the near-collapse of mass transit services.
According to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, the chaotic state of transport system in the Abuja has left residents vulnerable and without reliable commuting options.
The minister who stated this during an inspection tour of modern bus terminals, part of infrastructure projects to be commissioned in celebration of President Tinubu’s second anniversary, decried the proliferation of unregulated taxis, roadside motor parks, and makeshift terminals, which he observed have contributed to widespread inefficiencies and posed serious security risks.
Wike, while expressing his dissatisfaction with the current system said, “For years, Abuja has struggled with a lack of coordinated transport infrastructure, leading to the collapse of its once-ambitious mass transit system. Unregulated taxi operations, roadside motor parks, and makeshift terminals have taken over, posing security risks and failing to serve the public effectively”
To address these challenges, Wike disclosed that the FCT Administration is developing a comprehensive transport policy aimed at restoring order and improving service delivery.
Already, he said a committee is working on measures to distinguish between registered taxis and private vehicles to enhance public safety.
Despite the challenges, Wike expressed satisfaction with the progress made on the bus terminal projects.
He commended the local contractor handling the projects, saying their performance defies the stereotype of under-delivery often associated with indigenous firms. “I’m very happy with what I’ve seen,” Wike said.
He assured that the government will continue to support local contractors to deliver the best results.
Meanwhile, former governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has applauded the developmental strides being recorded under the Wike-led administration.
Ortom, who accompanied the minister on the inspection, commended President Tinubu’s decision to appoint Wike as FCT Minister, saying the appointment demonstrates the President’s willingness to transcend party lines.
Recalling his time as an FCT resident, Ortom noted that in less than a year since Wike’s appointment, the nation’s capital has witnessed remarkable progress.
“I’ve been in politics since 1982, and I’ve seen several FCT Ministers, but this is the first time I’m seeing such monumental development and progress,” Ortom said.
Ortom expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for recognizing Wike’s capabilities, despite their party differences. “Mr. President is looking beyond party affiliation, and that’s why he brought my friend and leader, Minister Nyesom Wike, to be Minister of the FCT,” he said.
Ortom also commended President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, acknowledging the challenges but emphasizing the need for citizens to support the President in overcoming them. “We need to work together, join hands with him to make sure that we overcome these challenges that we are facing, irrespective of party affiliation, irrespective of who we are,” Ortom said.
“Yes, we have challenges as a country. We have challenges as a people, but truly, we can testify to the fact that at the time Mr. President came in, the country was at its lowest, and today, he is trying to lift the country back on its feet again.
“There are challenges. He has admitted that yes, there could be security challenges, economic challenges, and other challenges that we face as a people. But we need to work together, join hands with him to make sure that we overcome these challenges that we are facing, irrespective of party affiliation, irrespective of who we are.”
