By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
FCT Minister, Mallam Muhammad Musa Bello has disclosed that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has earmarked the sum of N718,194,250 million through approved contract to secure Abuja Rail Mass Transit phase 1 (Lots 3 and 1A against vandalism.
Bello made this known after the FEC meeting held on Wednesday, 24th August 2022, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He explained that the contract was awarded to two security service providers namely Messrs Al-Ahli Security Guards Ltd, at the cost of N407, 214, 000 million, covering a distance of 27.245 kilometers comprising eight rail stations and Messrs Segad Security Protective Company Ltd, at the cost of N310, 979, 250 million, covering a distance of 18 kilometers, comprising four stations.
According to the minister the scope of the contract, which is within a period of two years, includes protection of the rail tracks, Communication and Control Centre infrastructure as well as electrical and signaling equipment.
Also the Acting Secretary, Transportation Secretariat, Usman Musa Yahaya who gave more details on the contract explained that the provision of emergency security services to the rail tracks became imperative following vandalization of portions of the track.
Yahaya recalled that following the commissioning the Abuja Rail Mass Transit operation in June, 2018, provision of rail services continued till the nation-wide lock down, which was occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic, adding that within that period vandals took advantage of the lock down and vandalized some of the rail facilities.
He noted that the approval of th a very good one for the FCT because it will go a long way in securing the rail track.
