Toba Owojaiye reporting
Abuja, Nigeria
In an official press release dated January 11, 2024, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, conducted an inspection of the Abuja Rail Mass Transit Scheme, popularly known as the Abuja Light Rail Project. The visit aimed to assess the progress of the project ahead of its scheduled completion in May 2024.
Accompanied by senior FCTA officials and representatives from the construction company, the Minister expressed his determination to ensure timely project completion. However, his inspection revealed concerning security lapses at the Abuja Metro Station, including theft and vandalism despite existing security contracts.
In a statement made available to Truth Live News, Barrister Wike voiced his dissatisfaction with the absence of perimeter fencing around the metro station, attributing it to the persistent security challenges. He pledged immediate action to address the issue and directed security contractors to enhance station security.
Moreover, the Minister raised concerns about design flaws, particularly the absence of central cooling systems and the poor design of the access road at Kukwaba station. He criticized the approved designs, stating that they fell short of acceptable standards, both in Nigeria and internationally.
Despite these challenges, Barrister Wike remains optimistic about meeting the May 2024 deadline for project completion and commissioning. He emphasized the need for hard work and commitment from all stakeholders, ensuring no room for excuses.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s release of funds for the projects was noted, and the Minister stressed the importance of operationalizing the metro line by May, warning against potential repercussions if the deadline is not met.
The Minister’s proactive approach to on-site inspections was praised by netizens, highlighting his dogma for firsthand assessments over relying solely on field reports.