Abuja demolition: See the first official assignment of Wike as FCT Minister

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), embarked on his first official assignment by inspecting the ongoing rehabilitation project of the Abuja Rail Mass Transit (ARMT) System. Wike expressed his commitment to addressing challenges faced by public transportation in the FCT and improving the city’s transportation sector.

During his visit to the ARMT Metro Station in Abuja, Wike emphasized his intention to transform the transportation sector in the short term to alleviate traffic congestion in the capital city. He questioned the reasons behind the non-operational metro station in Abuja and urged for its quick restoration. Wike stressed the importance of completing ongoing projects before initiating new ones and instructed the management of the construction company involved to deliver high-quality work.

Wike’s first official act involved taking a train ride from the Metro Station to Airport and Idu Stations to assess the progress of the rail system’s rehabilitation. He expressed satisfaction with the project, foreseeing its potential to significantly reduce traffic congestion once completed. Wike assured that the funding for the rehabilitation was available and directed the Permanent Secretary of the FCT Administration to ensure timely payment to the contractor.

Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, highlighted the need to identify and address problems affecting the rail transport system to make it operational. She mentioned that improving transportation was part of the palliative measures sought by the administration.

The ARMT system rehabilitation project, consisting of Lots 1 A and 3 spanning 45.245 kilometers, has faced challenges due to COVID-19 lockdown-related vandalism. Private security companies have been engaged to address this issue. The Abuja Urban Mass Transport Company has been assigned to manage the operation, and efforts are being made to contribute to reducing the impact of fuel subsidy removal.

The ARMT system, phase 1, which encompasses Lots 1 and 3 covering 77.775 kilometers, was awarded in 2007. However, only Lots 1 A and 3, covering 45.245 kilometers, were completed in 2017 and commissioned in 2018.