Urban transportation is one of the strongest indicators of a city’s growth, organization, and future potential. Over the past few years, Ibadan has undergone a visible transformation under the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde, particularly in infrastructure, ease of movement, and modernization of public facilities. One of the signature projects of this administration is the network of modern bus terminals established across the city—most notably the Central Bus Terminal at Iwo Road, along with Challenge, New Ife Road, and Ojoo Bus terminals. These projects remain some of the largest and most ambitious transportation upgrades in Oyo State’s history.
Governor Makinde deserves commendation for having the foresight to provide Ibadan with infrastructural structures that reflect the status of a mega city. The design, architecture, spatial planning, and sheer scale of these terminals rival facilities in countries that have spent decades building reliable mass-transit systems. For the first time, Ibadan residents can point to transportation hubs that resemble those found in leading African cities like Kigali and Nairobi, and even emerging transport models across Asia and Europe.
However, the real measure of development is not just in building the structures, but in operating them according to world-class standards. And this is where the gap becomes visible.
Many commuters—including myself—have experienced firsthand the inefficiencies and operational faults that undermine the integrity of these terminals. This article analyzes these realities, compares them to international best practices, and suggests sustainable improvements that can turn the terminals from beautiful buildings into fully functional, globally competitive transport systems.
The Distinction Between Infrastructure and Operational Excellence
Building a bus terminal is one thing; running it efficiently is another.
Across major transport cities such as Dubai, Singapore, Berlin, and Cape Town, transport terminals operate under globally accepted standards focusing on:
✔ Roadworthiness & Safety Checks
Transport hubs in advanced countries require that every vehicle undergo routine inspection before loading passengers. Vehicles must pass tests in:
braking system efficiency
tyre condition
engine soundness
seat safety
overall structural durability
Without meeting these conditions, a bus is barred from operation.
✔ Digital, Regulated Payment Systems
In modern terminals, commuters do not negotiate with drivers or touts. Payments are processed over the counter, through POS terminals, or mobile apps, ensuring:
transparency
price regulation
elimination of extortion
protection of both drivers and passengers
✔ Controlled Terminal Environment
Modern terminals are designed to eliminate touting, bribery, and chaos. Only licensed staff are allowed to interact with passengers.
✔ Fuel & Maintenance Protocols
Before joining the loading queue, vehicles must:
have sufficient fuel
be certified as road-ready
undergo basic checks to avoid breakdowns during transit
✔ Passenger Protection Policies
In developed cities, if a bus breaks down, passengers are automatically refunded or transferred immediately to a backup vehicle—no arguments, no excuses.
These standards ensure safety, punctuality, and trust.
Unfortunately, many of these critical elements are missing in the current operation of the central bus terminals across Ibadan.
My First-Hand Experience: A Reflection of Systemic Weakness
While traveling to Lagos, I experienced a situation that mirrors what thousands of other commuters go through daily. The experience reflects a disconnect between the beauty of the structure and the weakness of the system running it.
1. The Condition of the Bus
I had intended to travel to Oniru and was hoping to get a sedan for comfort. Unfortunately, no cars were traveling as far as Ajah, so I boarded a bus.
The moment I saw the bus, I became uneasy. It was a visibly shabby, battered vehicle that looked like it had survived multiple accidents or had been patched countless times. This type of vehicle should never pass any standard roadworthiness check.
Yet it was allowed to operate within a government-built terminal.
2. Payment Without Protection
Each passenger paid ₦6,500, and the bus was full. As soon as payment was completed, we were left waiting under the hot sun for over 30 minutes without explanation.
It took raising our voices before anyone attended to us—an avoidable delay that reflects a total breakdown of operational control.
3. Touts Running the Terminal
Shockingly, when the driver finally returned, nearly a dozen touts surrounded the bus asking for cuts from the fare he collected. I watched in disbelief.
Who exactly controls the terminal—the government or touts?
If a terminal is government-owned yet run by unregulated individuals, then the purpose of the entire project is defeated.
4. Fuel Delays
After wasting 40 minutes waiting, the driver told us he had to go and buy fuel. This violates basic transport guidelines. A vehicle must be fully prepared before joining the loading queue.
5. Breakdowns With No Refund Policy
By the time we reached Muslim area along the express, the bus developed a serious mechanical fault. The engine could no longer continue. We were stranded.
Shockingly, the driver refused to refund us. He insisted he had:
bought fuel
paid touts
paid for repairs that still didn't solve the fault
He claimed another bus would come for us, but there was no immediate confirmation, timeline, or assurance.
This breakdown occurred because proper roadworthiness checks had not been done at the terminal. A simple inspection could have prevented the entire ordeal.
The Bigger Picture: A Faulty Operational Structure
Governor Makinde has built world-standard terminals. But the operating framework, enforcement, and management system do not currently match the quality of the structures.
The issues include:
lack of regulatory enforcement
untrained personnel
uncontrolled touting
absence of digital ticketing
poor vehicle inspection protocols
weak customer service culture
no established refund or replacement policy
poor documentation and tracking of vehicles
These issues diminish the value of the investment and discourage commuters from trusting the terminal system.
Learning From World-Class Models: What Ibadan Must Implement
To transform the terminals into global benchmarks, the following are essential:
1. A Transport Regulatory Authority
Similar to Dubai’s RTA or London’s TFL, Oyo State needs a central body to certify:
drivers
vehicles
loading protocols
safety procedures
2. Mandatory Digital Ticketing
Every terminal should operate strictly on:
e-ticketing
POS payments
digital manifests
This eliminates extortion and touting.
3. Standard Vehicle Inspection Bay
A dedicated bay inside the terminal should inspect:
engine condition
tyre durability
brakes
interior safety
general structure
Any bus that fails should be denied entry.
4. Security and Touting Elimination
Only government-authorized uniforms staff should operate. All touts must be permanently removed or reformed.
5. Backup Vehicles & Refund Policy
If a bus breaks down:
passengers must automatically be transferred to another vehicle or fully refunded
6. Driver Training & Certification
Drivers must be trained in:
customer service
safety
emergency protocols
responsible driving
Conclusion: A Brilliant Vision That Must Be Matched With World-Class Execution
Governor Seyi Makinde has given Ibadan transport terminals that stand tall as some of the best physical infrastructures in Nigeria. But for these terminals to fulfill their purpose, the operational model must catch up with global standards.
A mega city is not defined by its buildings but by the quality of systems that keep the city running.
Ibadan’s Central Bus Terminal and its sister terminals deserve an operational framework that reflects excellence, accountability, safety, and efficiency. With proper management reforms, they can become shining examples of modern transportation in West Africa.
Until then, commuters will continue to suffer the gap between world-class structures and substandard operations.
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