Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), expressed dissatisfaction on Wednesday with the non-functional condition of the Abuja light rail system. He instructed the permanent secretary to promptly process the payment to the Chinese concession company to ensure the rehabilitation of the rail system is completed within eight months.
Wike issued an ultimatum during his inspection of the Abuja Metro Station in Idu and the Airport Station.
This directive came less than 48 hours after the swearing-in of 45 new ministers. Wike emphasized the urgency of restoring the Abuja metro as part of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to alleviating the suffering of Nigerians quickly.
Accompanied by the Minister of State for FCT, Mairiga Mahmud, and other officials at the main terminal of the metro station, Wike addressed the contractors and questioned the quality of their work.
Proceeding on the tour, the FCT minister embarked on a train journey from the metro station, passing through the Idu Station, and eventually reaching the Airport Station.
These rail lines, originally developed in six phases and financed through loans from the China EXIM Bank, suffered vandalism. In response, the FCT Administration awarded a new N5 billion contract in August 2023 for the rehabilitation of the rail system, with a target of completing the work within 12 months.
The Abuja light rail, which commenced operations at the metro station in 2018, functioned for approximately two years before being forced to shut down largely due to vandalism.
As the first southerner to hold the position of FCT minister, Wike aspires to present a fully rehabilitated rail system for commissioning by President Bola Tinubu in April 2024.