A heavy rainstorm on Tuesday afternoon disrupted activities in parts of the Federal Capital Territory, damaging the newly built Kugbo Bus Terminal and causing severe traffic congestion along the Abuja-Keffi Road.
The storm, which began at about 3:30 p.m., was accompanied by strong winds that ripped off sections of the terminal’s roofing. Debris from the structure was blown onto the highway, obstructing traffic on both sides of the busy dual carriageway.
As a result, motorists and commuters were left stranded for hours while traffic built up rapidly. Many road users were forced to seek alternative routes to avoid the gridlock.
The situation was further compounded as scavengers reportedly stormed the area, removing parts of the damaged roofing and other materials despite the ongoing downpour.
The Kugbo terminal is part of a network of bus terminals developed by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) under the supervision of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. The facility was inaugurated in June 2025 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of efforts to modernise transportation in Abuja.
Alongside similar terminals in Mabushi and the Central Business District, the project forms part of a broader #51 billion transport infrastructure initiative aimed at improving commuter safety, reducing congestion, and enhancing public transport efficiency.
Constructed by Planet Projects Nigeria Limited, each terminal is designed to accommodate over 10,000 passengers daily, with facilities for about 120 buses and taxis.
The infrastructure includes waiting lounges, restrooms, and CCTV systems to enhance security and curb crimes such as “one chance” robberies.
Although construction has been largely completed, full operations are yet to commence, pending approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for a public-private partnership management arrangement.
Read also:
- Traffic Alert: Asokoro–AYA Road to be partially closed Friday for military route march in Abuja
- FRSC unveils All-in-One Mobile App for licence renewal, vehicle verification, traffic alerts, road safety tools
- LASG diverts traffic for bridge construction, road rehabilitation at Iyana Era
Following the incident, Wike ordered the immediate deployment of security personnel to the affected area to maintain order and ease traffic flow.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the minister confirmed that the windstorm caused significant damage to the Kugbo Bus Terminal, while also affecting parts of the Nyanya pedestrian bridge and nearby structures.
He noted that preliminary assessments showed no casualties or damage to vehicles.
Wike further directed that urgent repairs be carried out, assuring residents that the administration would act swiftly to restore normalcy.
However, the incident has sparked concerns over the durability of the newly constructed facilities and renewed calls for stricter quality control in public infrastructure projects.
