President Bola Tinubu has officially launched the commercial operations of the Abuja Metro Rail Line, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s transportation infrastructure. The ceremony, attended by high-ranking officials including Vice President, Senate President, Chief Justice of the Federation, and other dignitaries, took place amidst applause and commendations for the collaborative efforts that made this achievement possible.
In his address, President Tinubu expressed immense pride and gratitude for the realization of this project, highlighting it as a testament to the collective dedication and foresightedness of his administration. He recalled that the Abuja Metro, initially commissioned in 2018, had suffered setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent abandonment and vandalism. Determined to revitalize the federal capital’s public transportation system, President Tinubu re-initiated efforts to restore and operationalize the metro line.
The President acknowledged the crucial role played by the Honorable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), commending his team for their commitment and efficient execution. "Today marks a milestone in our march towards enduring progress, especially in Abuja," said Tinubu. "It is my immense pride to flag off the relaunch of commercial operations of the Abuja Mass Transit R program, known commonly as Abuja Metro."
President Tinubu’s vision for a functional and flourishing federal capital was evident as he recalled his challenge to the then-Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, to deliver the project on time. With visible satisfaction, the President noted that the minister had met and exceeded expectations, fulfilling his promise to restore the metro line.
The recommencement of the Abuja Metro is seen as a dream come true for the administration and the residents of Abuja. The President emphasized that the project symbolizes progress, connectivity, and inclusivity, showcasing the government's commitment to modernizing transportation infrastructure, reducing traffic congestion, and enhancing accessibility within the city and its surrounding communities.
Highlighting other achievements of his administration, President Tinubu praised the efforts in social services and public utilities. He also made a significant appeal for a two-month free ride period on the metro line, extending it to the end of the year as a gesture to give residents hope and a reason to celebrate.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, delivered an impassioned speech at the inauguration of the Abuja Metro Rail Line, highlighting the concerted efforts and collaborative spirit that brought the project to fruition. The event was graced by President Bola Tinubu, Vice President, and members of the National Assembly, marking a significant milestone in the administration’s agenda.
Minister Wike began by recalling President Tinubu’s directive shortly after his inauguration, which emphasized the operationalization of the existing but non-functional metro line. "Mr. President said, 'I want to ride on the metro line. Do not give me land; all I want is to ride on the metro line,'" Wike quoted, highlighting the President's awareness of the metro line's potential and the urgency to make it operational.
Upon receiving the President's directive, Minister Wike and his team at the FCT immediately assessed the situation. They discovered that although the metro line was commissioned in 2017-2018, it was not operational due to the lack of access roads to the train stations. Wike elaborated, "How could you have built train stations without access roads? If I'm living in U and want to use U station, how do I get there? There's no road to U station."
The FCT administration, motivated by President Tinubu’s vision, set a nine-month target to actualize the project. The contract for the rehabilitation of the rail, initially awarded in 2018 at a cost of $30 million, had not been paid. The Minister praised the collaborative efforts of the Central Bank Governor, the Minister of Finance, and the Accountant General of the Federation, who facilitated the payment and ensured the project’s continuation.
Acknowledging their critical support, Minister Wike asked the Central Bank Governor and his team, the Minister of Finance, and the Accountant General to take a bow, applauding their contributions. The project also involved constructing access roads to the train stations, which cost 21.4 billion Naira. These roads and car parks were completed to ensure the metro's functionality.
Minister Wike clarified misconceptions about the inauguration, stating, "What we're doing today is not that we are commissioning the Metro. No, people say this has been commissioned before. What was commissioned was the Metro station, not the operational aspect."
He also addressed the cost and training of personnel for the metro's operation. Initially, $128 million was approved to train operators, a cost the current administration found exorbitant. Through renegotiation, the cost was reduced to $75 million, saving $50 million. "Today is the happiest day," Wike expressed, linking the project to the New Hope agenda. "What you're seeing today is a reality. People will be happy that they can come to the city, go back, watch a football match, and return home using the metro."
The ceremony concluded with a symbolic flag-off, where President Tinubu officially declared the metro line open for commercial use. The attendees, including members of the National Assembly, Judiciary, Federal Executive Council, and other notable guests, were invited to experience the metro line firsthand.
The Abuja Metro Rail Line stands as a symbol of the administration’s promise to deliver on its commitments, providing a modern and efficient transportation system for the residents of Abuja. As the metro begins its commercial operations, it is expected to enhance the city's transportation network and improve the quality of life for its residents.
