By Kolawole Ojebisi
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has lamented the state of public transport system in the nation’s capital, describing it as “national embarrassment”.
Wike maintained that the public transport system in Abuja is a far cry from what is obtainable in foreign climes, while vowing to come up with reforms that will end the chaos that defines the country’s capital transport landscape.
The minister made this comment, on Friday, after inspecting modern bus terminals slated for inauguration to mark President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second year in office.
”It’s unfortunate for a country like this — a federal capital territory — that we cannot boast of a proper transportation system. Every time we travel out of the country, we see how it’s done elsewhere. We should be able to replicate that,” he added.
The minister promised a modern, secure, and efficient transport system that offers a glimpse into what a functional capital city can become — one where movement is safe, predictable, and dignified.
Wike commended the local contractors handling the project and called for improvement in the quality of their deliveries.
”I am very happy with what I’ve seen,” the Minister told journalists. “But when you see some errors, you have to point them out.
“That doesn’t mean you’re not satisfied. The last time we came here, I expressed my dismay. This time, I can say there’s clear improvement, and by the time we return for commissioning, it will be something else entirely,” the minister said.
