The Nigerian government has approved a budget of N142 billion for the development of new bus terminals across the six geopolitical zones in the country.

The approval came during a recent Federal Executive Council meeting, which was presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Speaking after the FEC meeting, the Minister of Transportation, Sai’du Alkali, said this is the first time the government is having infrastructure apart from construction.

The terminals will be located in Abeokuta in the South-West, Gombe in the North-East, Kano in the North-West, Lokoja in the North-Central, Onitsha in the South-East, and Ewu in Edo State, which is in the South-South.

He said, “This is the first time the government is having intervention in our road infrastructure apart from road construction. The idea of these terminals was chosen based on the choice of their economic viability.

“It has come to the notice of the ministry that in spite of the significance of road transportation in Nigeria, there are no bus terminals to address the interests of millions of Nigerian commuters. As a result, we have a lot of crime, road traffic accidents, and proliferation of arms and ammunition on our highways.

“So, that is what informed the ministry to approach Mr. President and indeed the Federal Executive Council to seek the approval of the construction of these bus terminals.”

In a related development, the government has instructed all ministries, departments, and agencies that are still handling contracts related to the 2024 appropriation to finalise their procurement processes by the close of September 2025.