By Queen Kunde
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially flagged off the commercial operations of the Abuja Rail Mass Transit system, also known as the Abuja Light Rail as part of the Administration’s first anniversary.
According to the statement by the Director of Press (Office of the Minister), Anthony Ogunleye, President Tinubu, during the inauguration exercise, emphasized the significance of the achievement, saying that it was a major step towards progress in the country, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory.
He expressed joy at the successful rehabilitation and launch of the commercial operation of Abuja light rail, aimed at establishing a fully functional and efficient public rail transportation infrastructure for the benefit of the people, saying that it signifies his administration’s commitment to fulfilling its pledges.
President Tinubu also described the Abuja light rail as a symbol of progress, connectivity, and inclusivity, emphasizing that it represents his administration’s commitment to modernizing public transportation infrastructure, easing traffic congestion, and improving accessibility for all FCT residents and visitors.
The President recalled that he had earlier expressed the desire to ride on the metro line and thanked the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, and his team for ensuring the timely completion of the project.
President Tinubu who thereafter announced that there will be no charge for riding the Abuja light rail until the end of the year, also acknowledged the track record of the FCT Minister as well as the accomplishments of the FCT Administration, saying it is a demonstration of serious commitment to value. He said the FCT Minister is truly serving the nation, in line with the ideas of the Renewed Hope Agenda and the new national anthem.
The President said, “The commencement of this project is a dream come true for all of us. I am not surprised, given the track record of the Minister. The FCT Administration’s accomplishments demonstrate a serious commitment to value, the chapter that we ought to embrace in this country. Mr. Project, I say thank you very much to you and your team.
“In keeping with the Renewed Hope Agenda ideals, you have demonstrated unusual capacity with your team. Thank you very much once again. The huge investment that you put into this project is there for the people to remember.
During his speech, the FCT Minister recalled that President Tinubu had instructed the Administration to prioritize making the Abuja light rail operational for the benefit of the residents.
He noted that the contract for rehabilitating the Abuja light rail was awarded in 2018 at a cost of $30 million, which remained unpaid when he assumed office. The Minister also disclosed that the 10 train stations lacked access roads and car parks, which hindered the effective operation of the Abuja light rail project.
Barr. Wike however expressed joy that the FCT Administration, along with the support of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Ministry of Finance, and the Accountant General of the Federation, successfully facilitated the payment of the contract sum to the contractor which ensured the completion of the rehabilitation exercise.
He added that the access roads to the various train stations and car parks were also constructed at the cost N21.4 billion and that the directive of the President to make the train operational for residents was actualized within a period of nine months.
He said, “As I speak to you today, all those roads to the various train stations are completed with car parks for people to use to the various train stations.
The Minister also disclosed that the FCT Administration was able to renegotiate the training cost for personnel from $128 million to $75 million, thereby saving about $50 million for the Federal Government.
While making clarification on what was being inaugurated, the Minister stressed that it was the commercial operation of the Abuja light rail and not the train stations and that the rehabilitation of the Abuja light rail was a promise made and fulfilled in the FCT, adding that the FCT Administration has rekindled the hope of the people with its accomplishments.
He said, “For me, today is the happiest day. We are talking about the Renewed Hope Agenda. What is the Renewed hope agenda? Giving back hope to the people. That’s what it is. So, it is a reality. What you are seeing today is a reality. People will now be happy that I can come to the city and go back. Those who want to watch a football match will take the train to the next train station, walk down to Moshood Abiola Stadium, see the match, go back to the train station, and go back to their house”.
In his remarks, the Mandate Secretary, FCTA Transportation Secretariat, Chinedum Elechi, said the Abuja Rail Mass Transit System has 12 diesel multiple units each with a capacity to accommodate a minimum of 700 passengers. He said each train is designed to run at least 14 trips per day, meaning that one train can transport approximately 9,800 passengers daily.
And in her remarks, the Minister of State, FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud thanked President Tinubu and Vice President, Kashim Shetima as well as other members of Federal Executive Council and the National Assembly for their invaluable support to the FCT Administration.
The Minister also thanked the entire team involved in the planning, design and construction and now operation of the Abuja light rail, saying the commencement of commercial operation of the rail service has showcased the power of collaboration and determination in bringing about positive change.
The President along with distinguished guest that included the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives the CJN and the SGF amongst other guests took a train ride to the Airport station where the President unveiled a plaque signifying the commencement of commercial operations of the Abuja Light Rail.