A social media post by Nigerian commentator MEJE has reignited debate over the state of public transportation in Abuja, after he questioned why commuters are still being squeezed into overcrowded vehicles popularly used for “along” trips.
In a post on X, MEJE wrote: “Abuja is too big and too developed for ‘along’ to be carrying 4 people squeezed at the back and 2 in front. This is 2026 fgs.”
The comment highlights a familiar sight for many Abuja commuters, where passengers travelling short or intermediate distances may board vehicles informally along major roads rather than at designated transport terminals.
The criticism comes amid ongoing efforts by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to reorganise public transportation and move commercial operators away from unauthorised roadside loading points.
The FCTA has been pushing commercial transport operators to use designated terminals, with authorities warning that vehicles operating from unauthorised locations could be impounded.
The administration has also intensified enforcement around designated facilities, including the Mabushi Bus and Taxi Terminal.
Despite government efforts to formalise transportation, roadside pickup remains attractive to many residents because it can be cheaper and more convenient than travelling to a terminal.
A recent report on Abuja's transport system noted that commuters often depend on roadside vehicles because they provide quick access to transportation from neighbourhoods and major roads.
However, the practice has also raised concerns about road safety, traffic management and passenger comfort.
MEJE's comment also raises a broader question: whether Abuja's development in roads and other infrastructure is being matched by an equally modern and accessible public transport system.
Recent reporting has highlighted the contrast between Abuja's expanding road network and persistent problems such as illegal parking, roadside trading and indiscriminate passenger loading.
An earlier World Bank assessment similarly identified unreliable and uncomfortable public transport as among Abuja's mobility challenges, despite the city's significant road infrastructure.
Beyond convenience, the issue is also about the safety and dignity of passengers.
Overcrowding can make journeys uncomfortable and may create additional risks when vehicles carry more passengers than their intended capacity. Abuja has also faced concerns over the security of roadside transportation, including the longstanding “one-chance” robbery menace.
As Abuja continues to expand, the debate is increasingly shifting from simply building more roads to ensuring that residents have access to safe, affordable, regulated and comfortable public transportation.
For MEJE, the question is simple: in a rapidly developing capital city in 2026, should commuters still have to squeeze six people into a vehicle simply to get from one part of Abuja to another?
Comments
Post a Comment