After 11 years of construction, the Mohamadu Buhari led administration finally commissioned the Abuja light rail which was initiated by the previous administrations. The Abuja light rail entered the history book yesterday as the first of its kind in West Africa.
The commissioning by the Nigerian president marked the beginning of operation of the world-class light rail in the Nigeria capital city. It will also reduce the traffic jam on the major roads as most people may decide to take the light rail instead of the normal buses and cabs.
The Abuja light rail will definitely boost the capital city economy according to the federal capital territory minister, Mohammed Bello and also form part of the states tourist attraction.
The Abuja Light Rail Stations
The Abuja Light rail which was financed by China Export-Import (Exim) Bank and the FCT administration linked 13 communities with 12 stations.
The stations are –
- Abuja Metro
- Stadium
- Kukwaba 1
- Kukwaba 2
- Wupa
- Idu
- Bassanjiwa
- Airport
- Gwagwa
- Dei-Dei
- Kagini and
- Gbazango.
Reacting, President Muhamadu Buhari reassured Nigerians that his government is committed to providing a standard rail system in Nigeria. The Nigeria President, Muhamadu Buhari who tweeted immediately after commissioning the Abuja Light rail thanked Nigerians for their support.
This morning I formally commissioned the Abuja Light Rail System. The completion of this very important project is a dream come true, and clearly demonstrates our administration’s commitment to the realization of critical infrastructural projects. #AbujaMetro
The Abuja Light Rail System is further evidence that we are a government that delivers on its promises. A modern rail service will greatly boost the FCT economy and enhance social life. #AbujaMetro
Our commitment to the vision for a modern, integrated rail system for Nigeria is total. The 2nd phase of the Abuja Light Rail will connect more parts of the city, while our standard-gauge National Rail is also taking shape, with the Lagos-Ibadan leg currently under construction.
The 45.245km standard gauge rail line will run between the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and Abuja Metro Station. The Abuja Light rail commissioning attracted top government officials led by the Nigeria president, President Mohammad Buhari, GCFR. The tops Government officials that attended are Secretary to the federal government Boss Gida Mustapha, Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir Ahmad el Rufai, Transportation minister, Rotimi Amaechi, Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Lai Muhammed.
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Photo Credit: Aso Rock