Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said the Abuja Rail Mass Transit (ARMT) project is 95 per cent completed and will be ready for inauguration in May.
Wike stated this when the Belgium Ambassador to Nigeria, Daniel Bertrand, visited him in Abuja.
He explained that the feat was part of efforts to improve public transportation in the federal capital.
“When we came on board, we found out that the Abuja Light Rail was not functional and we felt that it will be a good thing for the people, if we decongest the city by putting it to function. So, President Bola Tinubu directed that whatever can be done should be done, so that in his one year in office, the light rail will come on board for the use of the residents, and instead of going with their vehicles, they can take the train.
“I can announce to you that we are almost there. The company handling the project, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), is almost 95 per cent completed. By the grace of God, we believe that in May, the President will inaugurate it,” the minister said.
Wike added that discussion was ongoing with private investors to change the mode of public transportation in the FCT.
The minister also said that discussion was ongoing with the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Director-General, Department of State Services (DSS) and cattle herders on ways to stop open grazing in the city.
He explained that the discussion was to get the herders to understand why they should not rear cattle within the city.
The Ambassador said the visit was to get to know the minister’s plans in mass public transportation, update on the Abuja Light Rail project and the stand on open grazing in the city.
He expressed satisfaction with developments in the FCT, particularly the green vegetation and trees as well as less traffic, adding that the Belgian government was open for partnership on areas of mutual benefits.
