The Minister for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, has announced that the Abuja Rail Mass Transit (ART) project is on the verge of completion, with 97% of the work already done.
This statement came following Mr. Wike’s inspection tour from the Central Area’s Metro Station to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Friday.
Expressing his enthusiasm about the project’s progress, the Minister referred to it as a “dream comes true.’
Furthermore, Mr. Wike revealed plans for the official launch of the Abuja Light Rail, in May, coinciding with the celebration of President Bola Tinubu’s first year in office. He noted that President Tinubu has already sanctioned a timetable for the inauguration of several projects, including the ART, as part of the festivities marking his administration’s anniversary.
As part of his inspection tour, Wike took a 30-minute ride on the Abuja Light Rail from the Metro Station to the Airport, of which he expressed his preference for the rail system over traditional road transport to the airport, citing its convenience.
He praised the efforts of the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), the contractor responsible for the project, for their efficiency and assured completion of the renovation works on the stations before the scheduled commissioning in May.
“We have to first of all, consider the financial implications.
“Linking areas like Nyanya are important, no doubt about it. We will talk to the contractor to see what we can do, but for now, there is no commitment,” he stated.