LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Minister for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, has disclosed that the Abuja Rail Mass Transit (ART) project is nearing completion, with 97% of the work already accomplished.
The announcement came following Mr. Wike’s inspection tour from the Central Area’s Metro Station to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Friday.
Expressing his satisfaction with the project’s progress, the Minister referred to it as a “dream comes true.’
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Additionally, Minister Wike announced plans to officially launch the Abuja Light Rail in May, aligning with the commemoration of President Bola Tinubu’s first year in office.
He mentioned that President Tinubu has approved a timetable for inaugurating various projects, including the ART, as part of the celebrations marking his administration’s anniversary.
“We are very happy. We are almost 97% completed. All works are ongoing to make sure that the May delivery date is a reality.
“I believe this is one of the projects Mr President would like to inaugurate, because it is very key to the development of the economy.
“For me, it is a dream comes true, and we are happy that after all said and done, the metro line will be put to use for Nigerians, come May 29,” he said.
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During his inspection tour, Wike opted for a 30-minute journey on the Abuja Light Rail from the Metro Station to the Airport saying he prefers it over driving due to its convenience.
He commended the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), the project contractor, for their efficiency and guaranteed that station renovations would be finished before the planned commissioning in May.
Minister Wike approached questions regarding extending rail lines to busy areas in the capital cautiously. He stressed the importance of assessing step by step, especially regarding finances.
While recognizing the importance of connecting places like Nyanya to the rail network, he avoided making firm commitments, stating that discussions with the contractor would guide future decisions.
“I am not committing anything now, because we are taking everything step by step.
We have to first of all, consider the financial implications.
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“Linking areas like Nyanya are important, no doubt about it. We will talk to the contractor to see what we can do, but for now, there is no commitment,” he stated.
Furthermore, Wike announced the FCT Administration’s intention to establish three road transport terminals in Abuja, beginning in May. This initiative aims to enhance safety and reliability, tackling the problem of “one chance” criminality and providing safer options compared to unverified transport services.