The kogi state government has disclosed that its mega bus terminal located built by Capt Idris Wada lead administration at the Felele end of Lokoja metropolis would commence operation on Thursday with expectant daily traffic of over 500 vehicles loading and discharging passengers.
This was disclosed by the commissioner for information and communication Kingsley Fanwo while on the spot assessment and to ascertain the level of readiness of the edifice for its take off.
The commissioner noted that the mega Terminal which was started by the past administration of Captain Idris has to be completed by the present administration, saying that by putting it into use will significantly solve the intractable transport management problems in the state.
He explained that the present government in its wisdom considered Governmemt as a continuum and decided to complete the edifice to ensure smooth take of the park which is expected to reduce the accidents occasioned by indiscriminate parking of vehicles along the expressway within the city.
Fanwo explained that kogi state happened to be in the centre of the country providing thoroughfares to Commutters and passengers from the Northern to Southern states, deserves a standard motor terminal.
He said by the take off the mega Terminal, all operators of mini parks within the Lokoja– metropolis have been advised to relocate to the new mega Terminal to avoid collision with law enforcement agencies.
According to him” The immediate past administration started the construction to a certain level, however this administration of Governor Yahaya Bello recognises that government is a continuum, hence, he needed to complete the project and we are set to opened it for public usage.
” This terminal is going to spark a revolution in transportation management in the state. Lokoja is a nodal town , it is in the centre of the country. It connects South South, South East, Southwest with the Northern states of the country and with this the problem of transportation management would be solved.” He said.
While urging Commutters and passengers to avail the opportunity provided by the mega Terminal for the comfort and relaxation while on transit assured of adequate security presence around the place adding that all that is required to making a journey worthwhile have been put in place.
He noted that he was face with pleasant confusion when he stepped into the arrival and departure hall of the terminal which he mistaken it to be insude one of the terminals of the international airports, assuring the people that the edifice is of international standards .
He advise Commutters, passengers, transport owners to patronise it as it has been designated the only legal terminal for boarding and discharging passengers in the state.
Kogi state Former Governor, Capt Idris Wada at the commissioning of Kogi state Commissioning of the Lokoja Mega Terminal in lokoja
In his remark the commissioner for Transportation, Baron Okwoli assured the public that the construction work has reached 99.99percent and it is ready to be declared opened by his excellency Alhaji Yahaya Bello on the 15th April , 2021 saying it will clean up the Nataco area of the metropolis noted for its disorderliness of Commutters, passengers and transport owners.
He said the government has taken cognizance of the different categories of passengers and have prepared to provide the best facilities at the terminal.
He added that to solve the challenge of those providing ancillary services at the old parks, an alternative area has been marked for bukateria and for hawkers to remain in business.
The commissioner warned Commutters to key into the new arrangement as failure to comply would be an offence after the inauguration.
According to him” we have been able to create additional entrance gate… It is not the best to have one entry and exit route. It cost us huge amount of money. We have upgraded the 11kva to 33kva with standby 500kva generator to ensure 24 hours electricity. We want the state to be a hub for travellers to have a place to rest before proceeding the journey.
” This mega park is to provide conducive environment where you can express yourself maximally, other things that will add value to travellers comfort have been provided.
In their separate remarks , the Chief Security Advicer Jerry Omodara assured the users of the Security arrangement already put in place to quarrantee the safety and protection of lives and property of the people.
He hinted that a police post, a joint security office that will house, the men of DSS, Army ,Navy, NDLEA and FRSC is already in place even as a fire renders to take of fire emergencies within the premises in on ground.
While encouraging the small business owners to patronise the terminal, the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry Gabriel Olofu said the government is ready to assist them with soft loans to enable them grow their businesses.
