The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has attributed the recent damage at the Kugbo Bus Terminal to a severe windstorm, dismissing reports that the structure collapsed.
Speaking to journalists shortly after inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects across the FCT, Wike clarified that only the roofing of the terminal was affected by the extreme weather conditions.
According to the Minister, the terminal’s location on an elevated hill made it particularly vulnerable to the intense windstorm that accompanied a heavy downpour.
“The kind of wind we saw, we have never imagined. The terminal is on top of a hill, higher than surrounding buildings. The wind blew off the roofing sheets, despite being made of steel. This shows how strong the wind was. However, the main structure remains intact,” he said.
Wike rejected calls for sanctions against the contractor, insisting that the incident was a natural occurrence beyond human control.
“Why will I sanction them? If the building had collapsed, that would be a different issue. This was purely nature. There was nothing the contractor could have done to prevent it,” he added.
The Minister also expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of ongoing projects, including the OSEX main carriageways, Gaduwa district roads, and the Wasa Informal Sector access road.
He disclosed that the contractor, China Geo-Engineering Construction (CGC), has assured that the OSEX main carriageways and the Wasa access road will be completed by May 2026.
Wike further directed the installation of protective mesh along internal road corridors in Gaduwa to prevent encroachment, while noting that street lighting works are currently ongoing.
On the relocation of traders, Wike commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for fulfilling a long-standing promise to move the Apo Mechanic traders to the Wasa district.
“Previous administrations made promises but did not fulfill them. This government has taken concrete steps. Infrastructure is being provided, and by the end of May, we expect completion before relocation begins,” he said.
The Minister also dismissed claims that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was denied a venue in the FCT for its national convention.
He stated that neither his office nor the Abuja Investment Company received any formal request for the use of venues such as Eagle Square.
> “Nobody has written to us. If they had applied and paid the required fees, there would be no reason to deny them. Public venues are available to all parties under due process,” Wike explained.
He clarified that the Velodrome used by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) falls under the National Sports Commission, not the FCT Administration, and noted that both the PDP and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have previously paid to use public facilities.