A severe rainstorm in the Federal Capital Territory on Tuesday afternoon caused significant damage to the Kugbo Bus/Taxi Terminal, one of three newly constructed transport hubs inaugurated in June 2025. The heavy downpour, which began around 3:30 p.m., tore off sections of the terminal’s roof, sending debris onto the Abuja-Keffi Expressway and triggering major traffic disruptions on both sides of the dual carriageway.
Scavengers were observed collecting valuable materials from the wreckage scattered across the road. Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communications and Social Media, confirmed that the storm also caused minor damage to the Nyanya pedestrian bridge and several nearby buildings. Preliminary reports indicated no injuries or vehicle damage.
In response, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike directed the immediate deployment of security personnel to the site to prevent disorder and maintain traffic flow. He assured that swift action would be taken to repair the storm damage.
The Kugbo terminal, along with those in Mabushi and the Central Business District, was commissioned in July 2024 to improve commuter safety and convenience. Designed by Planet Project Ltd., the Mabushi and Kugbo terminals are each capable of processing over 10,000 passengers daily and accommodating 120 buses and taxis for both intercity and intra-city travel. The CBD terminal is tailored primarily for intra-city operations. Each facility is expected to create at least 100 jobs.
Although inaugurated in 2025, the terminals had yet to begin full operations pending Federal Executive Council approval for their management under a Public-Private Partnership arrangement. On March 27, Minister Wike announced that President Bola Tinubu and the FEC had granted approval, paving the way for imminent operations.
The storm damage at Kugbo underscores the urgency of completing the transition to operational status, as the terminals are critical to easing congestion and improving public transport efficiency in the capital. Authorities have pledged rapid repairs to ensure the facility can resume its intended role in serving thousands of daily commuters.
