Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike announced on Thursday that the Abuja light rail will offer free rides for two months, starting from Tuesday.
Gatekeepers News reports that the minister made this statement at the ongoing ministerial press briefing in Abuja, ahead of the one-year anniversary of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
According to Wike, “For those who are saying that the rail system had already been commissioned, don’t make a mistake. What was earlier commissioned was the building. What we want to commission on Monday is commercial operations.”
He emphasized that the ultimate goal is to ease commuting in the city, adding, “If you are going to the airport, from here to airport is 20 minutes. Seeing is believing. Go on Tuesday. We are going to allow free rides for two months.”
Wike also hinted that President Tinubu may extend the free train rides to six months, saying, “You know Mr. President, he can even say extend it to six months just to reduce the pain of our people. That is renewed hope agenda.”
The minister highlighted the administration’s achievements in infrastructure, security, and education, stating, “How was Abuja before? Everyday was kidnapping, ‘one chance’ and all of that… But when we came onboard, we visited the six area councils and interacted with the people. They said there were no roads, security agencies… We took it up from there and all the area councils can attest to the fact that by December this year, we will commission up to 120 kilometres of roads.”
He added that the FCT administration has provided security agencies with necessary logistics, making it possible for residents to “sleep with your two eyes closed.”
Wike also announced plans to begin constructing 10,000 affordable housing units tagged the ‘Renewed Hope City’ from 2025.
