Abuja on move: Inside capital’s growing infrastructure revolution

By Adegbile Adeola, Senior Correspondent, Abuja

In Nigeria’s capital city, bulldozers, scaffolding, and the hum of heavy machinery have become a common sight—clear signs that Abuja is in the midst of one of its most aggressive infrastructure overhauls in years. From roads and rail lines to ultra-modern transport hubs, the city is transforming before the eyes of its residents.

For many, this is not just a government project—it’s a new beginning.

Terminals that connect and create jobs
Leading the wave of development are three massive bus and taxi terminals in Mabushi, Kugbo, and the Central Business District. These projects, initiated under the renewed urban mobility agenda of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, are designed to modernize public transport and create job opportunities for residents.

According to official reports, over 3,000 jobs have been created through these projects alone. The terminals feature not just boarding facilities but restaurants, cinemas, and leisure spaces—offering a comprehensive commuter experience.

Residents say the new terminals will help sanitize Abuja’s transport system by displacing unregistered taxis and curbing rising insecurity, including the notorious “one-chance” robberies.

Light Rail Back on Track
After years of inactivity, the Abuja Light Rail system resumed operations on May 29, 2024. Connecting the city centre to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and the Idu industrial area, the 42.5-kilometer track is Nigeria’s first rapid transit line.

The rail line also links commuters to the standard-gauge Abuja-Kaduna railway, offering a seamless transition between intercity and intra-city travel.

To support the light rail system, the Federal Executive Council approved N5.9 billion for the construction of access roads and parking facilities, particularly around the Gbazango-Kubwa axis, where residential growth has surged.

Roads That Lead to Inclusion
Infrastructure expansion in Abuja is not limited to high-profile projects. Several arterial roads within and around the capital—such as the Airport Road (Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Expressway) and routes connecting Kuje, Gwagwalada, and satellite towns—are being rehabilitated or newly constructed.

New road networks are helping to decongest the city centre, making suburban areas more accessible and attractive for housing and commerce. Road drainage projects, especially in flood-prone areas like Lokogoma and Kado, are easing the burden on homeowners who previously faced devastating seasonal flooding.

Infrastructure with a human face

For many Abuja residents, these developments mean more than modern facilities—they represent relief, inclusion, and hope.

“I’ve been trading here for ten years,” says Fatima Ibrahim, a fruit vendor near the Mabushi terminal. “Before, the road was bad, and business was slow. But now, people are stopping, buying, and I don’t have to clean dust off my goods every hour.”

Civil servant Eze Chinedu echoes this sentiment. “I’ve lost furniture to floods, but this year, the drainage system held. It may seem small, but for families like mine, it’s a big win.”

Youth workers—painters, welders, and cleaners—employed at construction sites say the projects have restored their confidence and given them a sense of purpose.

Looking forward

Urban planners believe that if this pace is sustained, Abuja could set a benchmark for other Nigerian cities. However, they caution that infrastructure should not only be built—but maintained. Sustainability, inclusion, and equitable access must be at the heart of this movement.

Meanwhile, satellite towns are beginning to feel more connected, and for the first time in years, the idea of “one Abuja”—not a city divided by development gaps—is beginning to take shape.

As residents walk smoother roads, ride safer trains, and dream bigger dreams, one thing is certain: Abuja is not just expanding—it’s evolving.