Abuja, January 13, 2024: Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has affirmed a commitment to work tirelessly towards the timely delivery of the Abuja Rail Mass Transit (ARMT) System project by May 29. Wike conveyed this determination following an inspection tour of the project in Abuja on Thursday.
“I am not a pessimist, and I believe that if we put all our energy into it, we may achieve it. I have also disbursed the funds for access roads, so we have no excuse,” stated Minister Wike during the inspection.
Recalling that the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) announced a N5 billion contract in August 2023 for the rehabilitation of the ARMT system, awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Ltd. (CCECC) with an eight-month delivery timeline, Wike identified the ARMT as a crucial project slated for commissioning on May 29, marking President Bola Tinubu’s one year in office.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the project’s progress, Minister Wike highlighted the persistent vandalization and theft of critical facilities and equipment related to the rail system. He underscored the importance of addressing security lapses, emphasizing the need for immediate action to secure the metro station.
“This is one project that I am so compassionate about, and you know that Mr. President has given me a directive that must not be taken for granted. When we first visited the metro station, I discovered that there were many security lapses,” said Wike.
Wike expressed surprise at the revelation that the security fence contract was not awarded to CCECC but to a different contractor chosen by the FCT. He assured that immediate steps would be taken to rectify this and ensure the timely completion of the ARMT System project, highlighting the inseparable link between operational readiness and robust security measures.
