It’s time for Abuja to have modern mass transit

On Friday, May 30, 2025, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, described the state of public transport system in the nation’s capital as “a national embarrassment.” Speaking after inspecting modern bus terminals slated for commissioning to mark President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second year in office, Wike vowed to come up with  reforms […]

On Friday, May 30, 2025, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, described the state of public transport system in the nation’s capital as “a national embarrassment.” Speaking after inspecting modern bus terminals slated for commissioning to mark President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second year in office, Wike vowed to come up with  reforms that will end the chaos that defines Abuja’s current transport landscape, saying: ”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.”

Indeed, Wike’s description of the state of Abuja transport infrastructure is not only an understatement, it is a sad commentary of our national priorities and a showcase of disdain for proper developmental initiatives. And this has left mass transport system in the federal capital in the realm of dreams, deferred and unmet expectations.

Presently, Abuja’s transportation system is a mix of privately-run buses, taxis,  tricycles, motorcycles and ride-sharing services that often come at a higher cost, compared to what a functional mass transit bus or rail system would offer.

The Abuja Urban Mass Transport Company (AUMTC), established in 1984 as Abuja Bus Service (ABS), and meant to address the road transportation needs of a city undergoing rapid growth, has since ceased operations, leaving a void.

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The first phase of the Blue Line light rail network with a total length of 17.89km connecting Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport (NAIA) with the Abuja Metro Station transportation centre and runs through Gwagwa and Kubwa and the 27.2km-long Lot 3 (Yellow Line) connecting the Abuja Central Business District transportation centre with the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, was commissioned by President Muhammadu Buhari on July 12, 2018. It was first abandoned, paving the way for vandals to feast on the facility.

In May 2024, the project was re-launched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Yet, the rail project, which was initially proposed in 1997 but had the contract for the construction of lots one and three awarded in May 2007, has failed to meet its intended purpose of providing the transportation needs of FCT and neighbouring states’ commuters.

The result is that Abuja is reeling with creeping traffic congestion, with the city’s entrance and exit routes facing long traffic hold-ups during rush hours. This is more so as the congestion has become security nightmares especially the menace of traffic robbers.

Therefore, we at Daily Trust call for a reliable, affordable, accessible, efficient and convenient modern mass transport system in the FCT that would serve the needs territory’s estimated 4.2 million  population along with the adjourning states.

We also insist that the four remaining phases or lots be fully and immediately executed without further delay. The nation’s capital requires a functional rail and road mass transit network that will reduce traffic congestion and the accompanying stress and pollution arising from it, thereby significantly improving the quality of life of the residents.

Daily Trust also calls on the FCT authorities to ensure that the transportation system links the city-centre with satellite towns of Nyanya, Kubwa, Mararaba, Lugbe, Kuje, Gwagwalada and Abaji; while incorporating the much trumpeted underground rail line connecting the Abuja Metro Station with the Central Business District (CBD) Bus Terminal strategically located at Eagle Square, the transportation interchange.

Moreover, there should be high-capacity buses deployed to ply Nyanya-AYA-Eagle Sqaure/Wuse Market; Giri Junction-Airport Road-City Centre; Zuba Junction through ONEX (Outer Northern Expressway) to city-centre and Ring Road One Circulation connecting Wuse Market and Eagle Square. This means that the mass transit buses by Abuja Urban Mass Transport Company Limited but have disappeared from the roads should be brought back without the perennial challenge of lack of maintenance and other mismanagement issues. The business side must be taken seriously, otherwise, the investments will die as the prior ones.

A functional and efficient transportation system within the territory will greatly support and boost economic growth and social inclusivity by facilitating job provision.

The new move requires that the FCT Minister revisits the blueprint of the Abuja Rail and Road Mass Transit Masterplan. This demands an expedited completion of the remaining phases of the project. The burden that residents of Abuja daily contend with through stressful and high transportation costs should be lifted off their lives. The federal capital should serve as model for other Nigerian cities looking towards a modern transport system.

Nigerians resident and visiting the FCT deserve to enjoy the transport facilities that is available in other cities of the world. Without a modern and efficient public transport system, the city would remain a glorified national capital without the required infrastructural facilities.

It is gratifying that the FCT Minister has pledged to bequeath 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. We look forward to this, and quickly too.