By Daniel Tyokua
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) said plans are underway for the resumption of Abuja mass rail transit operations.
This is contained in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Minister, Anthony Ogunleye on Sunday.
The statement explained that the recent meeting by the Minister of the FCT, Malam Muhammad Bello and senior officials of the Administration with the China Civil Engineering and Construction Corporation (CCECC)at the Operation Control Centre (OCC) of the rail system in Idu, signals the state of preparedness.
According to the statement, the Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Mr Olusade Adesola explained that the purpose of the visit to the Center was to review the project and determine what actions to be taken within the shortest possible time, to restore the Abuja Mass Rail Transit system operation.
“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 pandemic resulted in a forced closure and suspension of the operations.
“COVID 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 Abuja Mass Rail Transit system back into operation”.
On security, Olusade said that in preparation for the resumption of operations, measures had 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”
