FCT Partners Nasarawa On Rail, Road Devt.

By: Wisdom Acka

FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has said the FCT Administration would work together with the Nasarawa State Government for the development of a rail line and roads connecting the nation’s capital and the neighbouring State.

Wike made this known when the State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, paid him a visit in his office, Area 11, Garki I District, Abuja, Friday.

The Minister noted that the role of the State in the development of FCT could not be overemphasised, especially owing to its proximity to the nation’s capital.

He said that the FCTA would open discussion with the Nasarawa government on the development of the rail line from Apo to Keffi, as well as on the completion of the road network from Abacha Barracks to Masaka.

Noting that the metro line was key but very expensive, Wike stated that rehabilitation of the metro line was ongoing as directed by President Bola Tinubu; revealing that the repairs would be completed in seven months.

One of the major challenges impeding development of the Territory, he said was shortage of funds, regretting that many contracts have been awarded but not executed.

Wike revealed that the Administration would identify for financing and completion, those projects that could stimulate development.

On the Governor’s proposal for a piece of land for the development of a clean city, Wike expressed unwillingness to make a commitment due to shortage of funds.

On tackling insecurity in Abuja and environs, the Minister emphasised the need for stronger partnership with the Nasarawa government and the other States surrounding the Territory.

Earlier, Governor Sule said that his visit was to congratulate Wike for the well-deserved appointment and to discuss the issue of development for mutual benefits.

He disclosed that over 40 per cent of people working in Abuja reside in Nasarawa State; stressing the necessity to partner for development.

The Governor decried challenges of transportation along the Abuja-Keffi road.

His words: “We have challenges on transportation. But thanks to the FCT for the road network from Abacha to the border. We understand that the road will continue all the way to Masaka.

“The FCT has a part to play, and the state government will do its parts.”

Sule disclosed that following advice from the FCT, Nasarawa State developed 900-vehicle capacity bus terminal and collapsed about 22 motor parks causing traffic on the road into it.

“So, we have met our part of the bargain in order to see that the project is concluded,” he said.

“I am hoping that Mr Project (Wike), without any doubt in my mind, will meet the other side of the bargain so that we will have the clean city we are looking for,” he added.

On the metro train rail line, Sule said that his government wanted to tap from the FCT additional metro line development.

“We discussed with the previous Minister that whatever it is, we don’t want free meal, Nasarawa State will bring its own part of the bargain for the rail line development from Apo going all the way to Keffi,” Sule stated.

“We have even initiated a discussion with CCECC Nig. Ltd and a Russian company that are willing to construct. With this, we can say we are more than happy to work jointly with the FCT to develop that,” the Governor reiterated.

Sule said that the development of the rail transport linking Abuja city with Nasarawa would open another area of development for housing, not only for Nasarawa residents but also FCT’s.

The governor added that at the border, just about five kilometres from Maitama 2, the government has about 13,000 hectares of land at Garku-Kubusu for housing development.

He explained that it was the initiative of the previous governor of the state that was sold to the FCT for joint development.

Sule expressed hope that the two governments would jointly build another Kigali and Dubai on that piece of land.