Abuja Rail Mass Transit Project Almost Ready -Wike

By: Wisdom Acka

FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has said that the Abuja Rail Mass Transit project was 97 per cent completed.

The Minister, who stated this during inspection of the rail system said that the project, which is a dream come true would be ready for inauguration in May to celebrate President Bola Tinubu’s one year in office.

Parts of the rail sites the Minister visited on Friday, include the Metro Station in Central Area, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

He disclosed that President Tinubu had already approved schedule for the inauguration of projects to celebrate his one year in office.

His words: “We are very happy. We are almost 97 per cent completed. All work is on-going to make sure that the May delivery date is a reality.”

“I believe this is one of the projects Mr. President will like to inaugurate, because it is very key to the development of the economy,” he said.

“For me, it is a dream come true, and we are happy that after all said and done, the metro line will be put to use for Nigerians, come May 29,” Wike added.

The Minister, who took a 30-minute ride on the train from the Metro Station to the Airport, argued that it was more convenient to use the train than vehicles to go to the Airport.

“I am really impressed with the contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC). The company has assured us that all the renovation works on the stations will be ready before the commissioning date,” he reiterated.

Asked whether the rail lines would be extended to areas experiencing high traffic, the Minister said: “I am not committing anything now, because we are taking everything step by step.”

“We have to first of all, consider the financial implications. Linking areas like Nyanya is important, no doubt about it. We will talk to the contractor to see what we can do, but for now, there is no commitment,” the Minister restated.

Wike revealed that the FCT Administration has concluded plans to build three terminals for the road transportation; saying it would significantly curtail security challenges, especially the ‘one chance’ menance in Abuja.

The Minister also revealed that the FCTA road transport system would be rolled out in May, so that people would no longer take the risk of entering vehicles they don’t know the operators.