The Minister Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has confirmed that the much awaited Abuja metro rail line is billed to commence operations on Monday, May 27, being the Children’s Day.
Wike who gave the reassurance on Thursday as he took the stage to brief the media alongside some other cabinet ministers on the First Year achievement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Administration also announced that Abuja residents will enjoy at least two months free ride at the onset.
Wike disclosed that the rail line will be commissioned by the President Tinubu who is expected to also take a ceremonial ride in the train.
According to Wike, the two months free ride on the rail and could be extended on the prerogative of the President.
The first phase of the project connects the city center to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, stopping at the Abuja-Kaduna Railway station in Idu.
Planned as a three-trains-per-day service, President Buhari had commissioned the project on July 12, 2018, but residents never rode on it because operations was shut down almost immediately.
The project which is the first rapid transit system in Nigeria, and the second in sub-saharan Africa after Addis Ababa Light Rail had been slowed in the past due to funding challenge.
It is hoped that it would resolve the transportation problem within the FCT and its adjoining settlements.