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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, yesterday, inspected the Abuja Rail Mass Transit (ARMT) System rehabilitation project as first official assignment.
He told journalists during a visit to the ARMT Metro Station, in Abuja, that the measure was part of his resolve to address challenges affecting public transportation in the FCT.
According to him, transportation is one of the sectors he intends to transform in the short time to improve public transportation in the capital city.
“Transportation is one of the sectors we intend to intervene in the short term to reduce traffic congestion within the city. I know that we have a metro station in Abuja, and it is not working, why is it not working? Can we fix it within a short time? he asked. He noted that while there were other lots of the project that were not completed, people would have confidence on the one that was completed and working.
He stressed that it was not a good idea to begin another rail project while the one that was finished remain unusable. He said that every project that commenced must be finished before embarking on another one, considering the availability of resources.
“I assure the public that the rail transport system is a project we will take to a logical conclusion. Before commencing another project, we will need to determine which areas are the most traffic areas. This is very important to decongest areas with traffic congestion.”
He told management of the company handling the rail construction and rehabilitation projects to deliver quality projects.
After a train ride from the Metro Station to Airport and Idu Stations to inspect ongoing rehabilitation project of the rail system, the minister described it as a “good project.” He added that when completed, it would significantly reduce traffic congestion in the city.
“This is one of the projects we will complete and put to use. The money for the rehabilitation is on ground and I have already directed the Permanent Secretary, FCT Administration, Mr. Adesola Olusade, to ensure the contractor is paid. We will work to ensure that in the next coming months, this project is commissioned and put to public use.”
Meanwhile, he has has denied claims that the FCT Administration acquired a bulletproof Landcruiser Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) for him, just a day after President Bola Tinubu swore him in. He also challenged journalists to inspect his vehicle and confirm whether it was the bulletproof variant or otherwise.
He said: “We are now going to the office to have a direct report from each of the departments, but I have seen what is going on in the social media, that you (FCTA Permanent Secretary) bought a bullet proof car of N300 million that I am using. So, I want you people to go hit your hand there (on the car) and see whether it is a treated car. With all due respect, people should be careful not to destroy other people.
“When I came, the permanent secretary said they have a car for us, and the car we use is this. I have never approved for any car to be bought and I have not used official bulletproof car.
“…I’m not using a bulletproof SUV as FCT minister. So, we should report the right thing, and not destroy ourselves. I want you to take a look at where you have the flag, and see whether it is a bulletproof vehicle.”
Earlier, Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, said assessing the problems affecting the rail transport and finding ways to address them would help put the system to public use.
According to her, the transport system is one of the palliative measures that President Bola Tinubu wants to provide to the public.
