The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, said damage to the Kugbo Bus Terminal was caused by a powerful windstorm rather than a structural failure, addressing public concerns after reports suggested the facility had collapsed, April 13, 2026. He explained that extreme weather conditions during heavy rainfall tore off roofing materials, leaving the main structure intact.
Wike spoke to journalists on Monday after inspecting several ongoing infrastructure projects across the capital city. He dismissed claims that the terminal had collapsed, emphasising that only the roof was affected by unusually strong winds.
“The kind of wind we experienced is unprecedented,” Wike said. “The terminal is located on elevated ground, higher than surrounding buildings, which made it more exposed. The force of the wind removed the roofing sheets, but the structure itself remains solid.”
He added that the roofing was made of steel, not wood, underscoring the intensity of the storm that dislodged the coverings. According to him, the incident should be viewed as a natural disaster rather than a failure in construction standards.
Wike also rejected calls for sanctions against the contractor responsible for building the terminal. He maintained that the damage resulted from extreme weather conditions beyond human control.
“If the building itself had collapsed, that would raise questions about construction quality,” he said. “But in this case, it was a natural occurrence. There was nothing the contractor could have done to prevent it.”
The minister compared the incident to similar weather-related damage seen in other parts of the world, noting that severe storms can impact even well-built infrastructure.
During the inspection tour, Wike visited multiple project sites, including the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) main carriageways, roads within Gaduwa District, and access routes to the Wasa informal sector. He expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work across the projects.
According to him, the contractor handling the OSEX project, China Geo-Engineering Construction (CGC), has committed to completing the work in time for commissioning in May. He said progress on internal roads in Gaduwa District is also nearing completion.
Wike directed officials to install protective mesh along road corridors in Gaduwa to prevent encroachment. He noted that street lighting installation is already underway in the district, which is expected to improve safety and urban planning outcomes.
On the Wasa informal sector project, the minister said that construction of the access road is progressing steadily and is expected to be completed by the end of May. He described the development as a key step in relocating traders from the Apo Mechanic area.
Wike praised President Bola Tinubu for fulfilling a long-standing promise to move mechanics and traders from their current location to a more organised site.
“Previous administrations made commitments to relocate the Apo Mechanic traders but did not follow through,” he said. “This administration has taken concrete steps to fulfil that promise. The infrastructure is being put in place, and once completed, the relocation process will begin.”
He added that the new site is designed to provide better working conditions for traders while improving traffic flow and environmental standards in the city.
The minister also addressed allegations that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was denied access to a venue in Abuja for its national convention. He denied any involvement, stating that no formal request had been submitted to his office or relevant agencies.
“I am not aware of any such request,” Wike said. “No application has been received for the use of any venue, including the Eagle Square. Without a formal request, there is nothing to approve or deny.”
He suggested that the claims may be an attempt to gain public sympathy, adding that all political parties are treated equally when it comes to using public facilities.
Wike explained that venues such as Eagle Square are available to organisations and political parties that follow established procedures, including submitting applications and paying required fees.
“There is no reason to deny any group access to a venue if they meet the requirements,” he said. “These fees contribute to government revenue, which is used to fund public projects.”
He also clarified that the Abuja Velodrome, which has hosted political conventions in the past, is managed by the National Sports Commission and not under his direct authority. He noted that political parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress, have previously paid to use public venues.
“As far as I am concerned, no one has been denied access because no request has been made,” he said. “If they apply and meet the conditions, they will be granted approval.”
Wike reiterated the administration’s commitment to transparency and equal access to public facilities, emphasising that due process remains the guiding principle in all approvals.
He concluded by assuring residents that infrastructure development across the Federal Capital Territory remains on track, with several key projects expected to be completed in the coming weeks.
