Tinubu said this modern means of transportation would give hope and access to various individuals and organizations.
Abuja, May 30, (Epicstorian) – The Nigerian president, Ahmed Bola Tinubu has, on Wednesday, officially approved the commencement of commercial operation of the Abuja Light Rail.
President Tinubu, during a tour in commemoration of the first anniversary of his administration in Abuja, said the commencement of the Light Rail operations was “a symbolic milestone of enduring progress as a country and in the FCT”.
“As we gather to commemorate the first anniversary of my administration, we are also celebrating the fruits of collaboration, dedication, progress, and foresightedness,” he said.
“The Abuja Metro was inherited by my administration from my predecessor. It was first commissioned in 2018 for public use, but this was not to be. COVID-19 struck. The train service was abandoned, vandalized, disused, and abused.
“When we came into office, as part of my desire to have a functional and flourishing FCT with efficient public infrastructure and transportation systems that will serve the people who live and work within the city and the surrounding communities, I made a public request and a challenge to the Minister, Nyesom Wike.
“Then, I did not know that he would be able to deliver this project on time. I said, ‘Do not give me land, Mr. Landlord’. He gave me the assurance that I will be able to ride on the metro line, and I am very proud that today you delivered on that promise,” the President said.
Tinubu emphasised on the importance of the achievement of this Light Rail mass transit to Nigeria, of which as it begins operations will give citizens access to affordable, convenient, modern means of transportation.
“Transportation gives hope and access to various individuals and organizations. The access roads to the various stations have been done, and today, we are proud to say that you are truly serving the nation,” he said.
“What we have in the FCT is another piece of evidence that we are a government that delivers on promises,” Tinubu added.
The Light Rail, otherwise known as Abuja Light Rail, is a Mass Transit project that was abandoned in the Federal Capital Territory during the administration of the former Nigerian president Muhammadi Buhari.
