Wike gives eight-month ultimatum for Abuja light rail completion

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has frowned at the dysfunctional state of the Abuja light rail project.

He directed the permanent secretary in the ministry to complete payment to the Chinese concession company handling the project to complete the rehabilitation of the rails within eight months.

Wike gave the ultimatum during an inspection of the Abuja Metro Station in Idu and at the Airport Station on his first assignment outside the office, less than 48 hours after the swearing-in of the 45 new ministers.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has frowned at the dysfunctional state of the Abuja light rail project.

He directed the permanent secretary in the ministry to complete payment to the Chinese concession company handling the project to complete the rehabilitation of the rails within eight months.

The FCT minister noted that the task of restoring the Abuja metro line had become crucially fundamental as part of President Bola Tinubu’s promise to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians within the shortest possible time.

At the main terminal of the metro station, Wike, who was accompanied by the Minister of State for FCT, Hajiya Mairiga Mahmud, and other government officials, addressed the contractors, questioning the quality of work.

Proceeding the tour, the FCT minister took the train ride from the metro station through Idu Station and to the Airport Station.

The rails, originally developed in six phases, were funded with loans from the China EXIM Bank. After the vandalisation of the vital rail infrastructure, the FCT Administration awarded a fresh N5 billion contract for its rehabilitation within 12 months.

The Abuja light rail opened for business in 2018 and operated for about two years before the train service folded up, following vandalism.

Wike, who is the first southerner to become FCT minister, hoped to present a rehabilitated rail system to the President for commissioning by April 2024.