Abuja Rail Mass Transit project 95% complete, set for May inauguration, says Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, said Wednesday that the Abuja Rail Mass Transit (ARMT) project is 95 percent complete and will be ready for inauguration in May.

Wike stated this when the Belgian ambassador to Nigeria, Daniel Bertrand, visited him in Abuja.

He explained that the feat was part of efforts to improve public transportation in the federal capital, 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.

“So, President Bola Tinubu directed that whatever can be done, should be done, so that in his one year [anniversary] 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 percent complete.

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

Wike added that discussion was ongoing with private investors to change the mode of public transportation in the FCT.

He acknowledged that the deficit in public transportation was constituting a security challenge in the city, adding that most of the transport operators were not registered.

He expressed concern that most residents do not know the vehicle they are boarding, adding that efforts were ongoing to ensure all public transport operators were registered.

The minister added that the government has concluded plans to build taxi and bus terminals where residents could patronise registered and identified operators.

He added that the construction of the terminals would commence in the next one month, with the approval of the Bureau of Public Procurement.

The minister also said that discussion was ongoing with the Inspector General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, and cattle herders on ways to stop open grazing in the city.

He explained that the discussion centered on getting the herders to understand why they should not rear cattle within the city.

“I can tell you that it is not what we want, but believing that the matter will be resolved, and alternatives will be provided for the herders to rear their cattle,” he said.

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

Earlier, the Ambassador Bertrand said that the purpose of his visit was to get to know the minister’s plans regarding mass public transportation, to get an update on the Abuja Light Rail project, and the government’s stand on open grazing in the city.

Bertrand expressed satisfaction with developments in the FCT, particularly the green vegetation and trees within the capital, as well as the reduction in vehicular traffic congestion.

He said that the Belgian government was open for partnership on areas of mutual benefits.