By Abuja, Nigeria
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, has reiterated the commitment of the FCT Administration to the full operation of its newly constructed bus terminals across the territory, expressing hope that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) would soon approve the operational contract.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja shortly after an extensive inspection tour of ongoing infrastructure projects, the Minister explained that the management of the terminals required (FEC) intervention as the scope exceeded ministerial approval limits.
He made it clear that the (FCT) Administration had opted for a private-sector management model rather than using the Transportation Secretariat, to ensure that the facilities are handled by individuals with proven professional competence and expressed confidence that the proposal will be approved, when presented at the next FEC meeting, allowing operations to commence immediately.
In his words, “We are waiting for the Federal Executive Council to approve the operational contract. The contract is beyond the ministerial approval and so it requires the Federal Executive Council approval. I know that in the next FEC meeting, it will be presented. It’s not as easy as we thought.”
“We said we are not going to allow the Transport Secretariat to manage it; it will be handled by private individuals who have the competence. So, we believe in the next Federal Executive Council meeting, it will be approved and once that is approved, we hit the road,” he added
Similarly, the Minister praised the high-quality of the access road to the Mabushi bus terminal, being handled by Setraco, adding that the project is expected to be ready for inauguration during the third anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Wike highlighted that the corridor is essential for opening up the FCT and is also scheduled for inauguration during the President’s third anniversary.
“You can attest to the fact that we have really opened up the Federal Capital Territory. Mr. President is doing quite a lot and I’m so happy we have been given the opportunity to also contribute our own quota. There are so many projects that touch the lives of the people and improve economic activities of the areas”, Wike said.
