The FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, has assured residents living on the city outskirts, particularly those residing around Nyanya, that plans are underway to extend the Abuja Rail Mass Transit to their area.
Wike stated this on Friday after inspecting ongoing works on the Abuja Metro rail project starting from the Metro station in Central Business District to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
He noted that he will initiate talks with the contractors handling the project over the possibilities of kick-starting the Nyanya phase as soon as President Bola Tinubu commissions the ongoing phase one.
The minister, however, expressed concerns over the unavailability of funds to commence the project on time, in line with the residents’ expectations.
While expressing satisfaction with the level of work done so far, Wike assured that the project, which is 97 percent complete, will be commissioned on 29 May 2024.
“We have to, first of all, consider the financial implications.
“Linking areas like Nyanya are important; no doubt about it. We will talk to the contractor to see what we can do. But for now, there is no commitment.
“We are very happy. We are almost 97 percent completed. All works are ongoing to make sure that the May delivery date is a reality.
“I believe this is one of the projects Mr. President would like to inaugurate because it is very key to the development of the economy.
“For me, it is a dream come true, and we are happy that after all is said and done, the metro line will be put to use for Nigerians, come May 29,” he said.
He added that President Tinubu has approved the schedule for the inauguration of projects to celebrate his one year in office.
Describing the ART, also known as the Abuja Light Rail as a very important project, the minister said that the project would be among the projects to be commissioned.
