FCT minister, CCECC meet on Abuja train take-off

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, has met with top officials of the China Civil Engineering and Construction Corporation (CCECC) ahead of the official commencement of the Abuja Mass Transit Rail service.

The meeting also included a tour of the Operation Control Centre of the rail system at Idu, Abuja.

Permanent Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Administration , Mr Olusade Adesola, said that the purpose of the visit was to review the project and determine what actions to be immediately taken to commence the rail service.

He said, “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 COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a forced closure and suspension of operations.

“COVID is over and we are desirous to resume operations. But there are certain issues that were not intended that have 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 Abuja Mass Rail Transit System back into operation.

“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 also said measures had been put in place to ensure the security of the entire length of the light rail system in addition to protection of passengers and crew members provided on board by other government agencies.

He said, “So, for the security of the Abuja Rail Mass Transit, it is guaranteed. When we resume operations, everybody can travel safely.”