The Federal Government has approved ₦142 billion for the construction of modern bus terminals across the six geopolitical zones of the country. Additionally, it has directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to complete procurement processes for projects under the 2024 Appropriation Act by the end of September 2025.
The approvals and directives were issued during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, and chaired by President Bola Tinubu.
Briefing State House correspondents after the meeting, Minister of Transportation Sai’du Alkali confirmed that the bus terminals will be established in Abeokuta (South-West), Gombe (North-East), Kano (North-West), Lokoja (North-Central), Onitsha (South-East), and Ewu in Edo State (South-South).
Alkali disclosed that the project was approved for ₦142,028,576,008.17. He explained that the absence of centralised bus terminals has contributed to increasing rates of crime, traffic accidents, and the spread of illegal arms along major highways, prompting the ministry to seek intervention.
The FEC also received a briefing from the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Adebowale Adedokun, regarding delays in contract processing. The BPP raised concerns that over 70 MDAs have yet to finalize procurement for 2024 projects, even though the budget year was originally due to end in December 2024. While implementation was extended, the bureau noted that nearly 20 months have passed since the budget’s passage.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, presented the BPP’s directive to journalists, emphasizing that continued delays could expose the government to unnecessary financial liabilities.
As part of its recommendations, the BPP urged President Tinubu to request a comprehensive report from ministers and their agencies detailing all contracts awarded for the 2024 and 2025 fiscal years. This aligns with a directive from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation mandating regular reporting on government projects.
Reiterating the administration’s “Nigeria First” policy, the BPP called on MDAs to prioritize the use of locally manufactured goods and services in project execution, as long as they meet required standards and certifications.
The bureau, in partnership with the Central Results Delivery Coordination Unit, will monitor implementation and submit compliance reports to the Presidency.
Looking ahead to the 2025 budget cycle, the BPP advised that a larger portion of projects should be awarded through open competitive bidding, a move aimed at boosting job creation and reducing poverty. It also recommended that the BPP Director-General be involved in all bilateral infrastructure loan negotiations to ensure proper oversight of procurement decisions and cost evaluations.
The bureau further raised alarm over ongoing violations of the Public Procurement Act by several government-owned enterprises. Despite the provisions of the Finance Act 2020, which mandates compliance, some agencies continue to sidestep regulations — a situation the BPP warns is enabling financial mismanagement. The agency has called for strict enforcement to bring all public procurement activities in line with the law.
