Abuja light rail to be inaugurated in May, says Wike

Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), says the Abuja rail mass transit (ARMT) project will be ready for inauguration in May.

Speaking during a visit from Daniel Bertrand, Belgium’s ambassador to Nigeria, in Abuja on Wednesday, Wike said the light rail is 95 percent completed.

The minister said the feat was part of a broader initiative to improve public transportation in Abuja.

“When we came on board, we found out that the Abuja light rail was not functional and we felt that it will be a good thing for the people if we decongest the city by putting it to function,” he said. 

“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 per cent completed.

“By the grace of God, we believe that in May, Mr President will inaugurate it.”

WIKE IN TALKS WITH PRIVATE INVESTORS OVER FCT’S PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM

Wike said talks to replace FCT’s current public transportation system with private investors are still ongoing.

He said the deficit in public transportation presents a security challenge in the city, adding that most of the operators are not registered.

According to the minister, most residents are unaware of the type of vehicle they are boarding, and efforts are ongoing to ensure all public transport operators are registered.

Wike said the government has concluded plans to build taxi and bus terminals where locals can patronise registered and identified operators.

In addition, he said permission from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) would allow the construction of terminals to start within the next month.

Wike also sought partnership with the Belgian government on security and agriculture.

On his part, the ambassador said the purpose of the visit was to learn about the minister’s plans for mass public transportation, update on the Abuja light rail project, and the policy on open grazing in the city.

Bertrand expressed satisfaction with developments in the FCT, especially the green vegetation and trees, along with the decrease in traffic.

He said the Belgian government welcomes partnerships in areas of mutual benefit.