Abuja Light Rail to be Inaugurated Next Month, Says Wike

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, yesterday, said the Abuja Light Rail Scheme would be inaugurated next month after attaining 97 per cent completion.

He gave the assurance during an inspection tour of the renovation and rehabilitation works on the network from Metro Station to Airport Train Station.
He expressed satisfaction with the rehabilitation exercise, describing the metro line as very important to developing the FCT’s economy.
“We are almost 97 percent. All the works are going on to make sure that May is a reality. I want to say that as of yesterday (Thursday), Mr. President has approved the schedule for the commissioning of projects for his one year in office.

“This is a very important project. Those of us who rode on the metro line, you will see that it’s more convenient to use the metro line than even the vehicles to go to the airport.

“So, I’m really impressed with the contractor, CCECC. They have assured us that all the renovation works will be ready before the commissioning date.
“I believe this will be the first project that Mr. President will like to inaugurate because it is very key to the development of the economy, particularly as the FCT is concerned,” Wike said.

He described the progress of work on Abuja Light Rail as “dream come true” while expressing happiness that after all said and done, the metro line will be in use for Nigerians come May 2024.
Speaking on the operational cost for the metro line, especially the training of personnel, the minister disclosed that the FCTA had paid its contractual obligations to the contractors.

He said though the cost was quite expensive, it was also important to ensure that there is a balance between saving cost and safeguarding the interest of the FCT.

 On whether there were plans to provide rail services in densely populated parts of the FCT such as Nyanya, Wike said the Abuja mass rail projects was being done in phases, due to the financial implications.

He, however assured that the issue would be considered as development efforts continue in the FCT.