By Emmanuella Oghenetega
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the electoral integrity of the country, as well as, commended the dedication of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, as he commissioned the Mabushi Bus and Taxi terminal.
Speaking at the official flag off ceremony, of the design and construction of a new Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters annex in Abuja on Tuesday, President Tinubu declared that the new edifice would serve as a “hub for innovation, planning, training, and transparency in electoral administration”.
He emphasized that Nigeria’s democracy is continuously evolving, demanding corresponding growth in the institutions responsible for its protection and pledged his administration’s full support to ensure INEC is adequately equipped with both infrastructure and the necessary legal frameworks, policies, and resources to execute its constitutional mandate with courage and excellence.
President Tinubu lauded the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, for initiating the project, describing it as “another important step towards the protection of our democracy in this country”.
Earlier in his remarks, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmoud Yakubu, expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu and the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike for facilitating the project.
Professor Yakubu highlighted the Commission’s long-standing challenge of inadequate office accommodation, noting that the current national headquarters was severely congested, leading to strained facilities and the need to rent additional buildings. He explained that the new annex, conceptualized by INEC’s technical department, will complement the main building, significantly easing operational constraints.
The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, on his part, confirmed that the Federal Executive Council approved the project in March 2025, with supervision handled by the FCT Administration through the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).
“I want to assure you that this structure will be given all the time it requires to see that during your first tenure, this project is completed. With the kind of support you’ve given to us, we will make sure that the contractor delivers to justify the money that we are paying”, Barr. Wike stressed.
In his technical overview of the project, the Acting Executive Secretary, FCDA, Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda said, the project consists of a five-storey building on a 1.5-hectare land which will also house a media centre, a library, museum, various meeting rooms, a security control room, energy room, office accommodation for management staff and a 1000 capacity auditorium among other amenities
Likewise, President Tinubu gave his commendations at the commissioning of the newly constructed Mabushi bus and taxi terminal designed to modernise transportation in the FCT on Tuesday.
He said, “I must specially commend the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. His vision, dedication, and relentless pursuit of excellence have been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition. His commitment to providing first-class infrastructure for Abuja is evident in the quality and speed of delivery we celebrate today”.
President Tinubu described the bus terminal as a tangible symbol of the Federal Government’s commitment to the safety, security and prosperity of FCT residents and other Nigerians. He added that the project was also an affirmation of his promise to provide a city where citizens can live, work and commute with dignity, safety and efficiency while urging residents and commuters to make full use of the facility.
The President who was represented by the Speaker, House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, stressed that the provision of the bus terminal will bring order, safety and accountability to public transportation in the FCT and also address the menace of car robbery, popularly known as one chance.
According to the President, “No longer will citizens be left to the mercy of impromptu pick-up points. They will now have a secure, well-regulated environment to board their vehicles, knowing that both the drivers and vehicles are known and registered”.
Speaking, Wike stressed that the provision of bus terminals in the FCT will reduce roadside motor parks and improve security in the nation’s capital by eliminating the threat of car robbery, also known as one chance.
Wike further disclosed plans to also construct additional bus terminals in Gwagwalada, Bwari and Kuje Area Councils of the FCT to complement those in the Abuja city centre and improve connectivity between the Capital City and the satellite towns. He said the facilities will be given out to the private sector to ensure efficient management.
In his goodwill message, the Minister of Transport, Sa’idu Ahmed Alkali, said, that the new construction, will no doubt improve public transport and boost economic activities in the FCT.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Minister of State, FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, said the newly constructed bus terminal will not only reduce traffic congestion but will also serve as a hub of opportunity and a symbol of modern governance in the FCT, in addition to also creating employment opportunities for residents.
Giving a Technical overview of the Mabushi ultramodern bus terminal, Mandate Secretary, FCTA Transportation Secretariat, Hon. Chinedum Elechi, said the facility, which consists of one-story building is designed for both Intercity and intra-city commuting and features other appurtenance like food courts, cinemas, public convenience, nursing room, escalators, CCTV facilities ATM for money transactions, among others.
