By Akinsuroju Olubunmi
Rail Progress: Abuja transit nears completion
Federal Capital territory (FCT) Minister, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has announced that the Abuja Rail Mass Transit (ART) project is nearing completion, with 97% of the work already done. Wike made this declaration following an inspection tour of the Metro Station in the Central Area and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport station in Abuja.
He expressed his excitement, describing the project as a realization of a long-held dream. Wike revealed that President Bola Tinubu had approved a schedule for the inauguration of projects to mark his one year in office, and the ART project is among them.
Wike stated, “We are very happy. We are almost 97 per cent completed. All works are ongoing to make sure that the May delivery date is a reality. I believe this is one of the projects Mr President would like to inaugurate because it is very key to the development of the economy. For me, it is a dream come true, and we are happy that after all said and done, the metro line will be put to use for Nigerians, come May 29.”
During his inspection, Wike took a 30-minute ride from the Metro Station to the Airport station, highlighting the convenience of using the train over vehicles for airport transportation. He praised the contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), for their impressive work and their commitment to completing renovation works on the stations before the commissioning date.
When asked about extending rail lines to areas with high traffic, Wike emphasized the need to consider financial implications and take a step-by-step approach. While acknowledging the importance of linking areas like Nyanya, he refrained from making commitments at the moment.
The progress of the Abuja Rail Mass Transit project signifies a significant milestone in enhancing transportation infrastructure in the nation’s capital.
– Rail Progress
– Transit Completion