AISHA ABUBAKAR
President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday launched the Abuja light rail mass transit at the new metro station in Abuja.
The President inaugurated the first phase of the light rail project, covering 12 stations within the Abuja metropolis.
The project has been in the works for more than 10 years, and will be the first functional metro rail in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
The 45.245km line also commenced operation immediately with initial 10 diesel passenger coaches while second phase will see number raise to 20 electric motor units coaches
“The completion of this very important project is a dream come true, and clearly demonstrates our administration’s commitment to the realization of critical infrastructural projects,” Buhari said at the commissioning.
He added that “the Abuja Light Rail System is further evidence that we are a government that delivers on its promises. A modern rail service will greatly boost the FCT economy and enhance social life.”
President Buhari also flagged off the rail’s railway services signalling the commencement of its operations in the FCT.
Cosmas Uzodinma, spokesman to the FCT minister, had said in a statement that the 45.245 km standard guage rail line from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport to the Abuja metro station is the first of its kind in West Africa.
After launching the train service, President Buhari alongside other dignitaries, including Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, Mr. Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, Minister of Transport, Muhammadu Bello, FCT minister, and Senator Udo Udoma, Minister of Budget and National Planning, took a train ride from Abuja Central area to the airport, a distance of over 44 kilometres.
The President also inspected the newly-built Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport terminal in Abuja.
The terminal, according to Captain Hadi Sirika, the Minister of State, Aviation, is expected to be commissioned by President Buhari before end of this year.
The rail line is the first phase of a metro line for the Federal Capital Territory and is the first light rail system in West Africa.
With the Phase 1 completed; there are two Lines, Yellow and Blue, with Connections to Abuja Airport and the National Rail Line.
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