The FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello together with senior officials of the FCT Administration (FCTA), has held a meeting with senior officials of the China Civil Engineering and Construction Corporation (CCECC) at the Operation Control Centre (OCC) of the rail system at Idu, Abuja.
This is part of the effort geared towards the resumption of operations of the Abuja Mass Rail Transit System that has been disrupted since March after terrorists attack.
Speaking after the meeting, which included an extensive tour of the OCC, the Permanent Secretary of the FCTA, Mr Olusade Adesola, said that the purpose of the visit was to review the project and determine what actions to be taken within the shortest possible time to restore the rail system back into operation.
He said, “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-19 pandemic resulted in a forced closure and suspension of operations.
“COVID is over and we are desirous to resume operations. But there are certain issues that were not intended that have 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.
“A lot of high-powered decisions were reached, which we will give effect to as directed by the minister. We will look forward to a quick resumption of the operation of the train system.”
On security, Mr 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 would be provided on board by other government agencies.
He explained that, “So, for the security of the Abuja Rail Mass Transit, it is guaranteed. When we resume operations, everybody can travel safely.”
