Babatunji Wusu –
According to Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, the Abuja Rail Mass Transit (ARMT) is 95% finished and scheduled to open in May 2024.
When the Minister welcomed Daniel Bertrand, the Belgian ambassador to Nigeria, to his office in Abuja on Wednesday, he showed excitement.
According to Wike, President Bola Tinubu gave him the go-ahead to start the train project within a year of taking office. He affirmed that the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), the organization in charge of the project, is on schedule to have it ready for commissioning by May.
Wike claimed that the accomplishment was a result of his efforts to enhance the country’s capital’s public transit system.
He said: “When we came on board, we found out that the Abuja Light Rail was not functional and we felt that it would be a good thing for the people if we decongest the city by putting it to function.
“So, President Bola Tinubu directed that whatever can be done, should be done, so that in his one year in office, the light rail will come on board for the use of the residents.
“The people can use it going out of the city, going to the airport and other area councils, and instead of going with their vehicles, they can take the train.
“I can announce to you that we are almost there. The company handling the project, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), is almost 95 percent completed. By the grace of God, we believe that in May, Mr President will inaugurate it.”
Wike added efforts were ongoing to ensure the registration of pubic transport within the FCT as a way of further combating insecurity.
He acknowledged that the deficit in public transportation was constituting a security challenge in the city, adding that most of the operators were not registered and most residents do not know the vehicle they are boarding.
The minister disclosed that the government had completed plans to create taxi and bus terminals where locals could use the services of registered and recognized operators. He also stated that the terminals’ construction would start the following month, subject to the Bureau of Public Procurement’s clearance.
The minister disclosed that the government had completed plans to create taxi and bus terminals where locals could use the services of registered and recognized operators. He also stated that the terminals’ construction would start the following month, subject to the Bureau of Public Procurement’s clearance.
