Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revealed the near completion of the Abuja Rail Mass Transit (ART) project. With a completion rate of 97%, the project stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to transforming the urban transportation landscape in Nigeria’s capital.
Minister Wike, expressing his satisfaction following an inspection tour of the Metro Station in Central Area to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, indicated that the project is on track to be inaugurated in May. This landmark event will coincide with the celebration of President Bola Tinubu’s first year in office, showcasing a key achievement in the administration’s infrastructure development agenda.
Describing the ART project, also known as the Abuja Light Rail, Wike highlighted its pivotal role in the economic and social development of the FCT. The rail system, once operational, is expected to provide a reliable and efficient mode of transport for residents and visitors, linking major parts of the city with the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. This initiative is not just about improving transit times; it’s about unlocking a new era of convenience and connectivity in Abuja’s urban core.
The Minister’s 30-minute ride from the Metro Station to the Abuja Airport underscored the project’s potential to revolutionize travel within the city. Emphasizing the advantages of rail over road transport, especially for airport commutes, Wike’s experience serves as a promising indicator of the project’s success in enhancing accessibility and reducing congestion.
The execution of the project, spearheaded by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), has been praised by the Minister. With assurances from CCECC of completing renovation works on the stations before the inauguration, the project is set to meet its ambitious launch date.
Addressing the possibility of extending the rail lines to high-traffic areas, Minister Wike adopted a cautious stance, emphasizing the need for a step-by-step approach that considers financial implications. While areas like Nyanya are recognized for their importance in the rail network expansion, the Minister noted that any commitments would require thorough deliberation and planning.
In a complementary move to enhance the FCT’s transport system, Wike announced plans to establish three new terminals for the road transport system. This initiative aims to combat the “one chance” robbery menace, offering residents a safer and more reliable transportation option. With the roll-out scheduled for May, the same month as the ART project’s inauguration, the FCT Administration is poised to significantly improve the transport infrastructure, heralding a new chapter in urban mobility for Abuja.
