The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved ₦142 billion for the construction of modern bus terminals in all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.
The decision was taken during Wednesday’s council meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Minister of Transportation, Sai’du Alkali, confirmed to State House correspondents that the terminals will be strategically located in Abeokuta (South-West), Gombe (North-East), Kano (North-West), Lokoja (North-Central), Onitsha (South-East), and Ewu in Edo State (South-South). The approved sum for the project totals ₦142,028,576,008.17.
Alkali emphasized that the absence of major bus terminals has contributed to crime, road accidents, and illegal arms proliferation on Nigeria’s highways, prompting the government to prioritize this infrastructure project.
“This is the first major government intervention in road infrastructure beyond road construction,” the minister said. “The terminals were selected based on their economic viability and the urgent need to safeguard millions of Nigerian commuters while enhancing transportation efficiency.”
In addition, the FEC mandated all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) still processing contracts under the 2024 Appropriation to complete their procurement activities by September 2025.
The directive, presented to journalists by Information Minister Mohammed Idris, followed a brief from the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Adebowale Adedokun.
According to the BPP, over 70 MDAs have yet to conclude procurement for 2024 projects, even though the budget year ended in December 2024.
The BPP warned that prolonged delays in project procurement could expose the government to avoidable financial liabilities. It recommended that President Tinubu obtain a full account of all projects awarded by ministries and parastatals for both the 2024 and 2025 fiscal years.
This aligns with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation’s circular on project reporting.
Reaffirming the Nigeria First policy, the BPP urged MDAs to prioritize locally made goods and services, provided they meet international standards and receive relevant certifications. Compliance will be monitored in collaboration with the Central Results Delivery Coordination Unit, with reports forwarded to the Presidency for action.
For the 2025 budget cycle, the BPP advised that a significant share of projects be executed through open competitive bidding to promote job creation and poverty reduction.
The bureau also recommended including its Director-General in all bilateral loan negotiations for infrastructure projects to ensure professional oversight and cost assessment.
Finally, the BPP expressed concern over persistent non-compliance with the Public Procurement Act by some government-owned entities, despite the Finance Act 2020 mandating adherence.
The bureau called for strict enforcement to prevent financial mismanagement and bring all procurement activities fully in line with the law.
