The Abuja Mass Rail Transit will soon resume operation after the widespread effect of COVID19 and terror attack on Abuja-Kaduna train.
The minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, today, October 30, held a strategic meeting with senior officials of the China Civil Engineering and Construction Corporation (CCECC) at the Operation Control Center (OCC) of the rail system in Idu, Abuja, in preparation for the resumption of operation.
The Permanent Secretary in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Olusade Adesola, who spoke during the visit, said that the administration is reviewing the project to determine what actions to be taken within the shortest possible time, to restore the operation of the Rail Transit system.
“The FCT Administration has made substantial investment in this project with the support of the Federal Government of Nigeria. You will recall that the project was test run shortly after it was commissioned and thereafter, the advent of the COVID19 pandemic resulted in a forced closure and suspension of the operations.
“COVID19 is over and we are desirous to resume operations. But there are certain issues that were not intended that had arisen, which will require attention.
“This is the purpose of coming here to look at the project in its entirety and to know actions to be taken within the shortest possible time, in order to restore the operation of the Abuja Mass Rail Transit system.
“A lot of high-powered decisions were reached, which we will give effect to as directed by the Minister. We will look forward to a quick resumption of the operation of the train system.”
Olusade said that in preparation for the resumption of operations, measures have been put in place to ensure the security of the entire length of the light rail system in addition to the security that will be provided on board by other government agencies.
“So, for the security of Abuja Rail Mass Transit, it is guaranteed. When we resume operations, everybody can travel in it safely.”