BREAKING: Wike Gives Eight-Month Ultimatum For Abuja Light Rail Completion

BREAKING: Wike Gives Eight-Month Ultimatum For Abuja Light Rail Completion

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, expressed dissatisfaction on Wednesday with the non-functional state of the Abuja light rail system.

He directed the permanent secretary to ensure the completion of payments to the Chinese concession company for the purpose of concluding the rail system’s rehabilitation within eight months.

Wike issued this ultimatum during his inspection of the Abuja Metro Station in Idu and the Airport Station.

This inspection marked his first official duty outside of his office, taking place less than 48 hours after the swearing-in of the 45 new ministers.

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He emphasized that restoring the functionality of the Abuja metro was crucially important, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to alleviating the hardships faced by Nigerians in the shortest possible time.

During his visit to the metro station’s main terminal, Wike, accompanied by the Minister of State for FCT, Mairiga Mahmud, and other officials, addressed the contractors while questioning the quality of the work being carried out.

Continuing the tour, the FCT minister embarked on a train ride, traveling from the metro station through the Idu Station to the Airport Station.

The development of the rail system occurred in six phases and was funded through loans from the China EXIM Bank. After experiencing vandalism to the critical rail infrastructure, the FCT Administration awarded a new contract worth N5 billion in August 2023 for its rehabilitation within a 12-month period.

Originally inaugurated in 2018, the Abuja light rail system operated for around two years before its train service ceased due to widespread vandalism.

As the first southerner to hold the position of FCT minister, Wike aspires to present a fully rehabilitated rail system to the President for commissioning by April 2024.