PRESIDENT TINUBU FLAGS OFF CONSTRUCTION OF NEW INEC HEADQUARTERS, COMMISSIONS MABUSHI BUS TERMINAL
…Reaffirms Commitment to Democracy, Urban Infrastructure
By: Wisdom Acka and Prudence Okonna
In a dual event, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu flagged off the construction of a new national headquarters for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and commissioned the newly completed Mabushi Bus Terminal in Abuja.
The President, in his address during the ceremonies held on Tuesday, June 17, 2925, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and transforming Nigeria’s urban infrastructure.
He stated that the construction of the new INEC building was a clear signal of his administration’s unwavering support for INEC’s autonomy, capacity, and growth. Adding that the office building would provide not just accommodation, but also a hub for innovation, planning, training, and transparency in electoral administration.
Speaking on the need for the electoral body to have conducive office accommodation, the President said that INEC remains the backbone of Nigeria’s democratic journey.
“Its role in conducting free, fair, and credible elections is central to the trust our people place in their government and our democratic processes.
“For this reason, it is only right that such a pivotal institution is housed in a structure that reflects its dignity, responsibility, and national significance.
“Our democracy is still evolving, and as it grows, so too must the institutions that support and protect it. We are committed to ensuring that INEC is fully equipped -not only in infrastructure, but in law, policy, and resources -to carry out its constitutional mandate with courage, fairness, and excellence.”
President Tinubu commended the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for taking another bold step in the protection of Nigeria’s democracy by initiating the project. “I salute his courage as I am indeed proud of him,” he stated.
He called on all Nigerians to continue to strengthen the country’s institutions, safeguard their freedoms, and protect the future of the nation.
The President told the contractors, supervisors, and stakeholders involved in building the project to allow quality, speed, and integrity to guide their actions, noting that they were not just building a headquarters, but were building trust in the nation.
FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, in a welcome address, explained that the construction of the new INEC annex office was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in March 2025, and would be supervised by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).
Barr. Wike further explained that it was the responsibility of the FCDA to ensure the development of public buildings in the nation’s capital.
He pledged that the FCT Administration would ensure completion of the project within the first tenure of President Bola Tinubu.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, commended the Federal Capital Development Authority for always being responsible for providing office accommodation for the Commission, revealing that the current INEC headquarters was commissioned in September 1997.
He disclosed that the commission’s head office could no longer accommodate its staff members of over 1000 and equipment, even as he averred that INEC was renting two buildings as offices
Similarly, the President had earlier commissioned the Mabushi bus/taxi terminal, saying it was fulfilling to commission the transformative project, stressing that it is beyond the immediate benefits of an organised transportation system, and security, the terminals would also serve as a powerful engine for economic empowerment.
President Tinubu, who was represented by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, at the commissioning of the Mabushi Bus Terminal revealed that the Mabushi terminal alone has created over 3,000 direct and indirect jobs for the industrious people of Abuja.
“From skilled artisans to general labourers, this initiative has put food on tables and rekindled hope for countless families, demonstrating our administration’s dedication to job creation as a core component of the Renewed Hope Agenda, he emphasised.
President Tinubu, while speaking on other important aspects of the terminal, said that the terminal was not just a place to catch a bus, but a modern facility designed for the comfort and convenience of the people.
He described the Bus Terminal as a testament to the Renewed Hope Agenda, a vision that is not merely rhetorical but evident in visible, impactful projects that uplift the lives of Nigerians, adding that the terminal will bring order and accountability to the transport sector.
The President also commended the FCT Minister for his vision and relentless pursuit of excellence, stating that it an evidence that the Renewed Hope Agenda is not merely a slogan.
The FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, in his welcome address, said that the construction of the Terminal is part of a broader master plan to establish a total of six ultra-modern bus terminals across the FCT.
“We are building three of these terminals—at Kugbo, Mabushi, and the Central Business District. We will build one each in Gwagwalada, Bwari, and Kuje,” The Minister said.
He further emphasised the security and economic benefits of the Terminal, noting that it will help combat the notorious ‘One chance’ crime and bring order to the city’s previously informal transport system.
“We are trying to mitigate criminal activity by creating a well-coordinated transport system. This is not just about buses; it’s about safety, comfort, and restoring sanity in the FCT,” he said.
Barr. Wike also disclosed that, in a move to ensure operational efficiency, the Terminal will be professionally managed by an independent firm.
“We are negotiating its operations to be in the hands of experts, so that it will be properly maintained and remain functional,” he added.
Minister of Transportation, Said Alkali, in his goodwill message appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unprecedented support to the transport sector, describing the development as a historic first in Nigeria’s infrastructural roadmap.
The Minister revealed that the President had approved the construction of similar bus terminals in the six geopolitical zones, namely, Kano, Gombe, Onitsha in Anambra, Warri in Delta, Lokoja in Kogi and Abeokuta in Ogun State.
He lauded the FCT Minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, for the successful delivery of the Mabushi Terminal, describing it as a laudable project that not only beautifies the city but also improves mobility, security, and economic productivity in the capital.
Alkali further urged all transport unions and operators to maximise the full potential of the new Terminal, stressing that the facility was more than just a transit hub but a catalyst for order, safety, and economic opportunity in the transport sector.
He also assured stakeholders of the continuous support from the Ministry of Transportation in ensuring the smooth running and sustainability of the Terminals.
The FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, in her vote of thanks at both events, expressed gratitude to the president for his inspirational leadership and continued support to the FCT Administration to be able to deliver on the Projects promised.
She stated that the terminal would serve as a hub of opportunities and driver of the economy, which would also improve public mobilisation and security in the nation’s capital, and urged contractors to deliver on the new INEC headquarters with utmost excellence.
