President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has unveiled the commercial operations of the Abuja Light Rail System.
The President said it symbolises progress, connectivity, inclusivity and the determination of his administration to modernise Nigeria’s transportation infrastructure.
Re-launching the Abuja Metro Rail on Wednesday, President Tinubu said the timely delivery of the project by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and his team demonstrates his administration’s commitment to serving the people.
“The re-commencement of this project is a dream come through for this administration.
“Today, what we have in the FCT is another piece of evidence that we are a government that delivers on promises. I observe keenly other milestones that this administration has achieved especially in the areas of social services and other public utilities.”
“Abuja light rail metro stand as a symbol of progress, connectivity ,inclusivity and it signifies our determination to modernise our transportation infrastructure.”
The President applauded the Nyesom Wike led FCT administration affirming that the Minister has demonstrated unusual capacity to include the people in the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The idea is from the renewed hope agenda you have with your team demonstrated unusual capacity to really include people.
“The huge investment that you have saved that you have put in this project is there for people to remember.”
Transportation In FCT
The Nigerian Leader said the essence of the rehabilitated metro light rail system is to reduce traffic congestion in the Federal Capital Territory.
Rehabilitated Metro Light Rail
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike ,said that the ARMT system has 12 Diesel Multiple Units each with a capacity to accommodate a minimum of 700 passengers.
“ Each train is designed to run a minimum of 14 trips per day. Meaning that one train can transport approximately 9,800 passengers per day.
The Minister further explained that ARMT Project was awarded in 2007, and had a trial operation from September 2018 to March 2020 after completion.
He added that the COVID-19 pandemic affected the continuous trial operation.
Wike revealed that the last administration of President Muhammadu Buhari awarded the ARMT project to CCECC at the cost of $30million.
He also said that the previous administration awarded the contract for the training of manpower for 29 months at 128m dollars but the administration was able to reduce the amount to $75m.
He added that Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) under his watch was able to construct access roads and car parks in 12 train stations at the rate 21.4 billion naira.
“As I speak to you today, all those roads have been completed for people to use to the various train stations. We constructed access roads to all the 12 train stations, including car parks at N21.4 billion.
“What we are doing today is the inauguration of the commercial operation.”
The rail links 13 communities with 12 stations including the Abuja Metro, Stadium, Kukwaba 1 and 2, Wupa, Idu, Bassanjiwa, Airport, Gwagwa Dei-Dei, Kagini and Gbazango.
After cutting the tape, the President and Vice President, Kashim Shettima, President of the Senate, Godswil Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass, Chief Justice of the Federation, Kayode Ariwoola, lawmakers took a ride on it along with other dignitaries.
Lantana Nasir
