The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has described the recent damage at the Kugbo Bus Terminal as a natural disaster, dismissing claims that the facility collapsed.
Speaking to journalists on Monday after inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects across the FCT, Wike clarified that the incident was caused by a severe windstorm during heavy rainfall, which tore off the terminal’s roofing sheets without affecting the main structure.
“The kind of wind we saw, we have never imagined,” the minister said, noting that the terminal’s elevated position made it particularly vulnerable. “That wind blew off the roofing sheets, but it did not affect the main structure. It’s just the roofing sheet.”
He rejected calls to sanction the contractor, insisting that the damage resulted from an extreme weather event rather than construction defects. According to him, the roofing was built with steel, underscoring the unusual intensity of the storm.
“If the building had collapsed, then we would talk about sanctioning the contractor. But this is nature. There was nothing the contractor could have done to avert that incident,” he added.
Wike also expressed satisfaction with the progress of key infrastructure projects inspected, including the OSEX main carriageways, roads within Gaduwa District, and access routes to the Wasa Informal Sector. He disclosed that the contractor, China Geo-Engineering Construction, has assured that several of the projects will be ready for commissioning by May.
On the Wasa Informal Sector project, the minister commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for fulfilling a long-standing promise to relocate Apo Mechanic traders. He said the infrastructure would be completed by the end of May, paving the way for the relocation process.
In a related development, Wike refuted allegations that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was denied a venue in Abuja for its national convention. He stated that neither his office nor the Abuja Investment Company received any formal request for the use of public venues such as Eagle Square.
“I am not aware of any such development,” he said, dismissing the claims as attempts to gain public sympathy.
The minister explained that access to public venues follows due process, including formal application and payment of required fees, as demonstrated by past use by political parties such as the PDP and APC.
He emphasized that the FCT administration has no reason to deny any group access to facilities, as such engagements contribute to government revenue for public projects.
“As far as I’m concerned, we don’t have any reason to deny people venues for their convention,” Wike said.