The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says the Abuja Light Rail is ready for commercial operations.

Mr Wike stated this after he inspected the project in Abuja on Monday. He noted that $15 million, translating to more than N10 billion, was spent on the rehabilitation project.

He assured FCT residents that the light rail, also known as the Abuja Metro Line, would be inaugurated by President Bola Tinubu for commercial operations on May 27.

The minister said Mr Tinubu had promised to deliver the metro line to Nigerians within one year in office and that, as a foot soldier, he has no excuse but to ensure that the promise becomes a reality.

He said the operationalisation of the metro line was a testimony to the reality of Mr Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.

“We are doing well because Mr President has given us every necessary support. Assuming we are not getting support from him, this would not have been a reality today,” he said.

However, he identified facilities omitted during the project’s design, particularly air conditioning in the passenger waiting room and elevator.

He said, “But we believe that during the full operation of the train, some of these things will be taken into consideration.”

Mr Wike pointed out that the absence of air conditioning and the elevator would not prevent the full operation of the metro line but would make the passengers more comfortable.

The minister also said access roads have been constructed to link communities to the train stations.

The project was originally designed to find a concrete solution to transportation challenges—heavy traffic and hold-ups—in the FCT and its environs.

(NAN)