The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, issued an ultimatum on Wednesday due to his strong dissatisfaction with the dysfunctional state of the Abuja light rail.
He directed the permanent secretary to promptly complete payment to the Chinese concession company to conclude rail rehabilitation within eight months.
The ultimatum came during his inspection of the Abuja Metro Station in Idu and the Airport Station, shortly after the swearing-in of 45 new ministers, marking his first task outside the office.
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He emphasized that restoring the Abuja metro forms a critical part of President Bola Tinubu’s promise to swiftly alleviate the suffering of Nigerians.
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Accompanied by FCT’s Minister of State, Mairiga Mahmud, and other officials, Wike confronted the contractors at the main metro station terminal, questioning the quality of work.
Throughout the tour, the FCT minister rode the train from the metro station, passing through the Idu Station, and concluding at the Airport Station.
Originally developed in six phases and funded through loans from the China EXIM Bank, the rail project faced vandalism. Consequently, the FCT Administration awarded a new N5 billion contract in August 2023 for rehabilitation within a year.
The Abuja light rail commenced operations in 2018 but ceased within two years due to extensive vandalism.
Wike aims to present a revamped rail system for commissioning by April 2024 to the President.
