Wike Gives Chinese Company Eight-Month Ultimatum To Complete Abuja Light Rail Rehabilitation

By Babatunde Solanke

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday, 23 August, 2023, gave eight months ultimatum to the Chinese Concession Company to the complete the rehabilitation of Abuja light rail rehabilitation.

Wike also directed the permanent secretary to complete payment to the Chinese company so that it can complete the rehabilitation within the stipulated period.

 Wike gave the ultimatum during an inspection of the Abuja Metro Station in Idu and at the Airport Station on his first assignment outside the office, less than 48 hours after the swearing-in of the 45 new ministers.

According to Wike, the task of restoring the Abuja metro had become crucially fundamental as part of President Bola Tinubu’s promise to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians within the shortest possible time.

At the main terminal of the metro station, Wike,  accompanied by the Minister of State for FCT, Mairiga Mahmud, and other officials, addressed the contractors, questioning the quality of work done.

Proceeding on the tour, the FCT minister took the train ride from the metro station, through the Idu Station and then to the Airport Station.

The rails, originally developed in six phases, were funded with loans from the China EXIM Bank. After the vandalisation of the vital rail infrastructure, the FCT Administration awarded a fresh N5 billion contract in August 2023 for its rehabilitation within 12 months.

The Abuja light rail commissioned at the metro station opened for business in 2018 and operated for about two years before the train service folded up, owing largely to vandalism.

Wike, who is the first southerner to become minister of the FCT, is expected to present a rehabilitated rail system to the President Bola Tinubu for commissioning by April 2024.