On Friday, May 30, 2025, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, decried the deplorable state of Abuja’s public transportation system, labeling it “a national embarrassment.” Speaking after inspecting newly constructed modern bus terminals set to be commissioned in celebration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second year in office, Wike pledged to implement sweeping reforms to end the disarray plaguing the capital’s transit infrastructure. “It is shameful that a country of this stature, especially its federal capital, cannot proudly point to a functional, organized transport system,” he lamented.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

“Every time we travel abroad, we see how it’s done. We should be able to replicate that here.”

Those were the words of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, during his inspection of new bus terminals ahead of their commissioning to mark President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second year in office. He described Abuja’s current public transport system as “a national embarrassment.” That description, though apt, understates the glaring infrastructural neglect and misplaced priorities that have reduced the promise of a modern mass transit system in Nigeria’s capital to a deferred dream.

Today, Abuja’s transport landscape is a chaotic blend of privately-run buses, taxis, tricycles, motorcycles, and app-based ride services—many of which are more expensive and less efficient than a properly run public mass transit system would be.

The Abuja Urban Mass Transport Company (AUMTC), originally established as Abuja Bus Service (ABS) in 1984 to cater to a rapidly expanding city, is no longer operational. Its absence has left a deep void in public transportation.

Efforts to introduce a rail component to the city’s transit infrastructure have also fallen short. The first phase of the Abuja light rail—17.89 km of the Blue Line linking the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport to the Abuja Metro Station, and the 27.2 km Yellow Line connecting the Central Business District to the airport—was commissioned by President Muhammadu Buhari in July 2018. But the system was soon abandoned, left vulnerable to vandalism and neglect.

Although President Tinubu relaunched the project in May 2024, it remains far from fulfilling its intended purpose. Initially proposed in 1997 and awarded in 2007, the project has consistently failed to deliver on the promise of a comprehensive transport solution for FCT residents and commuters from surrounding states.

The consequences are evident: growing traffic congestion, particularly on city entry and exit routes during rush hours, and the rise of security threats like traffic-related robberies. Abuja is choking under the weight of its inadequate transit system.

Daily Trust therefore calls for the urgent establishment of a modern, reliable, affordable, accessible, efficient, and inclusive mass transit system for Abuja’s estimated 4.2 million residents and its adjoining towns.

This includes the immediate completion of the remaining phases of the Abuja rail project. The capital needs a well-connected rail and road network to ease congestion, reduce pollution, and improve overall quality of life.

Furthermore, the mass transit network must extend to the satellite towns—Nyanya, Kubwa, Mararaba, Lugbe, Kuje, Gwagwalada, and Abaji—while integrating the long-promised underground rail line between the Abuja Metro Station and the Central Business District’s Eagle Square terminal.

We also recommend deploying high-capacity buses on strategic routes such as:

• Nyanya–AYA–Eagle Square/Wuse Market

• Giri Junction–Airport Road–City Centre

• Zuba Junction via ONEX to City Centre

• Ring Road One circulation between Wuse Market and Eagle Square

The once-active fleet operated by AUMTC should be revived and maintained, free from the mismanagement and neglect that plagued it in the past. The commercial viability of the system must be prioritised to ensure sustainability and avoid another collapse.

A modern public transport system will not only reduce commuting stress and cost, but also spur economic growth, improve security, and promote social inclusion by enhancing mobility and job creation.

Minister Wike must revisit and fully implement the Abuja Mass Transit Masterplan, ensuring a fast-tracked execution of all outstanding components. Residents of Abuja deserve no less than the standards enjoyed by people in other capital cities around the world.

Without such infrastructure, Abuja risks remaining a glorified national capital—lacking the systems befitting its status. However, with the Minister’s pledge to deliver a safe, modern, and efficient transport network, there is hope.

Now, what is required is swift and sustained action.