By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The FCT Minister Barr. Nyesom Wike on Thursday blasted contractors of the Abuja Metro Rail Station, the China Civil Engineering Corporation, CCECC, calling the Rail project fake as he expressed displeasure over some security lapses and unapproved design among others.
Wike expressed disappointment and displeasure over the Abuja Metro Rail Station after inspection of the project, expected to be commissioned in May 2024.
The minister, accompanied by the FCT Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olusola Adesola, top staff of the FCDA and the media took an inspection ride from Abuja Metro Station through to Gbazango ldu, Airport to Kukwaba stations.
Speaking at the Kukwaba 11 station, Platform 1, Wike told journalists that the Rail project is one that he is compassionate about, adding that Mr. President’s directive must not be taken for granted.
He stated that during his first visit to the Metro Station and after the inauguration, he discovered the security lapses.
Wike said, “I discovered that there are many security lapses and I remember when I first came after our inauguration, I did say that we have to work on the issue of security by putting on the fence around the Metro Station to ward off criminals but unfortunately, that has not been done. “
“To my surprise, it was discovered that the contract was not even awarded to CCECC, it was a different contract awarded by the FCT, this is my first time of hearing that, and we are going to take it up immediately to see that these things are being put in place. Because you can’t talk of operation, when you have not taken the issue of security. So, security for us is key. ”
The minister also condemned the spate of vandalization and pilfering going on at the station, while the criminals are set free.
He said, ” We have security companies that were awarded contracts to secure those areas, yet things are happening, excuses are being given on how security agencies release those that are caught but for me, that is not enough, and we are going to make sure that we have a different method to be adopted, to see that we can’t continue to give excuses every day. ”
“I cannot be happy if in May this year we can not operate this metro line it will be very disastrous for me and then, even all these stations from what I have seen, the designs are poor.”
” Who may have approved the design is unfair to Nigerians. I have told CCECC that these designs are not even acceptable in their countries.”
“I have also directed that all the stations must be cleaned and also all the necessary things there must be provided, there’s no room for excuses at all.”
The minister also frowned at the design of the access roads linking to the various stations, adding that it lacks proper evaluation and the benefits it will offer the residents or the users.
‘ But frankly speaking, knowing where I’m coming from, having presided over projects like this, I cannot tell you that I am happy more than not. ”
“I have always said to people that we owe a lot to this country. If you have been given an opportunity to do something, it is not like you are the best, or the most handsome, or the most beautiful, it’s just that God in his infinite Mercy has said that this is your turn, so try to make good use of it by satisfying members of the public.”
“So I’m not happy, the company must speed up, those who are doing the access roads must also speed up, adding that he has disbursed funds for the access roads.
However, the minister asserted that putting all energies to work the May 29, 2024 deadline will not be put in jeopardy, but it can be achieved.
