Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has ordered an immediate probe and vowed sanctions after sections of the N51bn Kugbo bus terminal collapsed Tuesday night following violent storms and flooding.
During an inspection of the wreckage Wednesday morning, Wike directed the arrest of contractors and site engineers responsible for the project if negligence is established. He also announced that the FCT Administration would take full control of the site pending a structural integrity audit.
“Just like Jikwoyi, we will not tolerate substandard work,” Wike told reporters at the scene. “If approvals were bypassed or materials were compromised, people will be arrested and prosecuted. Public infrastructure is not a trial ground.”
The terminal, inaugurated in June 2025 as part of the FCT’s three‑terminal project, suffered roof cave‑ins and submerged loading bays after floodwater overwhelmed drainage around 9:40 p.m. Tuesday. Two 60‑foot lighting masts were also toppled by wind gusts estimated at over 80km/h.
Social Media Reaction
The collapse triggered outrage and shock online overnight as videos of the flooded concourse went viral:
@obianuluju – All that glitters is not gold. Thank goodness that the Kugbo Bus Station was not yet operational, otherwise many people could have been injured.
@smartmickyjay – If this was a legitimately awarded and executed contract (without willfully over bloated pricing), the contractor can be sued for building a substandard structure and they’ll have to fix it out of pocket, and pay for the damages to property.
@Defi_POG – The unholy alliance between politicians and contractors. By the time they finish sharing a large chunk of the pie only crumbs would be left for the actual project. Then cutting costs becomes inevitable to the extent that substandard materials and cheap labour will become the resort in order to maximize the crumbs left. After which we then continue to blame the colonial masters.
@zebra_crossings – Wasted public funds. They will vote more money to fix it!
@Mr_Watchmxn – We don’t hold these politicians/leaders accountable enough. In a sane country, everyone involved in this project will be held accountable. Down to the contractor
@Uduakey – Ok. I hope Wike will be called to answer to this. How an investment that huge will come to the ground
FEMA confirmed three security staff sustained minor injuries during evacuation, but no fatalities were recorded. The facility had not commenced full operations pending FEC approval of private managers.
Wike said the FCTA will consult with transport experts and the Kugbo community to determine whether the terminal requires partial demolition or a full rebuild. He warned that all future FCT projects will face “enhanced compliance checks” from Development Control.
“First Jikwoyi, now Kugbo. This pattern ends today,” the minister stated. “Any developer or contractor who ignores building codes will lose the land and face the law”.
The Mabushi and CBD terminals remain suspended pending safety reviews. Damage assessment teams and insurers are already on site.
