Rainstorm damages newly built Kugbo Bus Terminal, causing traffic disruption in Abuja

Cityscope, Weather

ABUJA, Nigeria, April 8, 2026 (NPA) — A heavy rainstorm on Tuesday afternoon damaged parts of the Kugbo Bus/Taxi Terminal in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), just weeks before its scheduled commencement of operations.

The storm, which began around 3:30 p.m., tore off sections of the terminal’s roof and scattered debris across the Abuja–Keffi Expressway, leading to severe traffic congestion. Witnesses reported scavengers collecting pieces of the roof and other materials deposited on the road.

Mr Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communications and Social Media, confirmed that the rainstorm also caused minor damage to the Nyanya pedestrian bridge and nearby buildings. He emphasised that preliminary reports indicated no injuries or vehicle damage.

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike directed security personnel to secure the site, restore traffic flow, and prevent disorder. Olayinka assured that immediate repairs would be undertaken to restore the terminal.

The Kugbo terminal is one of three newly constructed facilities — alongside Mabushi and the Central Business District (CBD) — inaugurated in June 2025 to improve commuter safety and convenience. Designed by Planet Project Ltd., the Kugbo and Mabushi terminals are expected to process over 10,000 passengers daily and accommodate 120 buses and taxis for both intercity and intra-city travel. Each terminal is projected to employ at least 100 workers.

Although completed and inaugurated last year, the terminals have yet to begin operations due to management approval requirements. On March 27, Minister Wike announced that the Federal Executive Council, under President Bola Tinubu, had approved a Public-Private Partnership arrangement for the Mabushi and Kugbo terminals, paving the way for their imminent launch.