The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has reassured President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and residents of Abuja that the Abuja Light Rail system will begin operations sooner than initially planned.
The Mandate Secretary of the FCTA Transport Secretariat, Mr. Ubokutom Nyah, made this announcement during a ride and inspection of the Abuja Metro Light Rail on Thursday. The purpose of the inspection was to assess the progress made in repairing the vandalized rail tracks and other facilities of the Abuja Metro Light Rail.
During the inauguration of FCTA Mandate Secretaries on September 12, the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesome Wike, emphasized the importance of addressing the challenges of public transportation comprehensively in Abuja. He specifically urged the Transport Secretary to expedite the repair work on the vandalized Abuja Light Rail system, as the President is eager to experience a ride on it.
Nyah expressed his optimism about the project, stating, “The completion of the Abuja Light Rail might come sooner than expected because what we have seen today is a great job. We have gone through over 60% of the rail road, took a ride on it, and I can convincingly state that the vandalized parts of the railroads have been duly completed. The cleaning is going on and I am told that the communication cables are already on the port and will soon come in.”
He added, “Against the projection of 9 months or so in the contract, I think the masses will ride on the train much earlier than expected and we are happy that in less than 2 months, restoration of vandalized facilities has been completed.”
Nyah also expressed his satisfaction with the world-class facilities of the Abuja Light Rail and stated, “We believe that in much lesser time than the projected contract period, the President will certainly ride the Abuja Light Rail. The concept and vision of renewed hope is a catalyst to every work that is being done in this country, and this has also influenced the restoration of the railways.”
Nyah also discussed the security measures in place to ensure the safety of passengers on the Abuja Light Rail. He emphasized the FCT administration’s commitment to security, affordability, and flexibility in all aspects of their operations, including the railway.
