OSAS EMMANUEL
ABUJA, Nigeria – President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards enduring progress, as he officially relaunched the commercial operations of the Abuja Mass Transit Rail programme, popularly known as Abuja Metro.
Speaking at the event commemorating the first anniversary of his administration, President Tinubu expressed immense pride and gratitude for the collaborative efforts that led to the revival of the rail service.
“It is my immense pride and gratitude that I stand before you to flag off the relaunch of commercial operation of the Abuja Mass Transit Rail programme known commonly as Abuja Metro.”
In his speech, President Tinubu highlighted the challenges faced by Abuja Metro, including abandonment, vandalism, and misuse during the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, he commended the dedication and foresightedness of the FCT Administration, particularly Minister Nyesom Wike, for delivering on the promise of a functional and flourishing Federal Capital Territory with efficient public infrastructure.
Describing the relaunch of the Abuja Light Rail Metro as a dream come true for all, Pesident Tinubu said the project symbolises progress, connectivity, and inclusivity.
Speaking further, he stressed the importance of transportation in providing hope and access to individuals and organizations while also urging the completion of access roads to various stations on the route.
He hailed the Abuja Light Rail Metro as a symbol of progress, connectivity, and inclusivity, reflecting the government’s commitment to modernizing transportation infrastructure and enhancing accessibility for all residents and visitors.
In a gesture of goodwill, President Tinubu appealed to the FCT Administration to extend the initially announced two months of free rides to six months, providing hope and reasons to celebrate for the people.
“Our dear Landlord and his team, I heard you saying two months free ride, I appeal to you to make it till end of the year.” Tinubu said
This offer, he said, underscores the government’s commitment to serving the nation and delivering on promises made to the citizens.
“The relaunch of the Abuja Light Rail Metro with six months of free rides represents a significant step forward in improving public transportation and fostering economic development in the Federal Capital Territory.”
President Tinubu’s leadership in revitalizing this essential infrastructure demonstrates the government’s dedication to enhancing the lives of Nigerians and promoting sustainable progress.
“When we came to office, in desire to have a functional and flourishing Federal Capital with efficient public infrastructure and transportation that will serve the people who live and work within the City and the surrounding communities, I made a request, a public request and a challenge to Nyesom Wike.
“I did not know that he would be able to deliver this project on time, I said don’t give me land, Mr Landlord, give me the assurance that I will be able to ride on the Metro line; he laughed and noded his head. I am very proud that today you delivered on that promise.
“The commencement of this project is a dream come true for all of us.
“Mr. Project, I say thank you very much to you and your team.
“In keeping with the ideals of the Renewed Hope Agenda, you have, with your team demonstrated unusual capacity to really include people. Thank you very much once again.
“The huge investment that you saved and put on this project is there for people to remember.”
He continued: “Today what we have in the Federal Capital Territory is another piece of evidence that we are a government that delivers on promises.
“I observe keenly other milestones that this administration has achieved, especially in the areas of social services and other public utilities.
“In view of keeping to the Renewed Hope Agenda, you and your team have demi started unusual capacity.”
Speaking earlier, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike said his administration is aware of the difficulties residents of the territory pass through in order to commute from one spot to the other and is committed to changing the situation through the provision of adequate and modern transportation system.
Wike revealed that at the time the President gave him marching orders that he would ride on the train to commemorate his one year I’m office, the rail system was not functional.
According to him, the Abuja Rail was not functional because there was no provision of access roads linking the various stations.
He further disclosed that though contract for rehabilitation of the rail was given in 2018 at 30million USD, while that for the training of workers for the rail was given at 128 million USD for a period of 29 months.
The FCT Administration, under his watch, was able to renegotiate the initial 128 million USD training contract sum down to 79 million USD, saving about 50 million USD.
“When we talk about Renewed Hope Agenda, it is not mere talk. It is a reality, and we want to use Abuja to showcase that the Renewed Hope agenda is working and it’s practical,” Wike stated.
