By Peter Usman
President Muhammadu Buhari says the All Progressive Congress (APC), is a government that keeps its promises following the completion of some phases I of Abuja Rail Mass Transit System.
Buhari stated this while commissioning the Project on Thursday, describing the feat as a dream come true in the quest for a modern transportation system for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja residents and other Nigerians.
He said that the project is a demonstration that the APC government is committed to the completion of critical infrastructural projects, saying that the government would continue to provide the necessary funding until other aspects of the Abuja rail mass transit system are completed.
President Buhari, while performing the commissioning ceremony at the Abuja Metro Station, in the Central Business District, said he has no doubt that a modern rail service would bring about a boost to the FCT economy and social life.
He commended the FCT Administration for its effort in ensuring that the project is completed as well as other milestones it has recorded in the areas of education, public utilities and other infrastructural development.
The President also extended appreciation to the people and government of China for their investment in the economy and the people of Nigeria.
He said this gesture has further cemented the already existing cordial relationship and developmental partnership between Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China.
According to him, “I am indeed thankful to the Government and people of China for their investment in the economy and people of Nigeria. I sincerely applaud the CCECC Limited – the Contracting Firm, for the quality and delivery of this project. Similarly, I thank the EXIM Bank of China for providing the needed funding,”
President Buhari gave assurances that the Federal Government would continue to provide the needed support for all the negotiations towards the realization of the Abuja Light Rail system.
He called on the FCT Administration and other relevant stakeholders to ensure efficient operations, good customer service and maintenance culture in the operations of the rail services
Earlier in an address of welcome , Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Muhammad Musa Bello, explained that the Abuja Rail Mass Transit System is an integral part of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Transportation Master-plan.
According to him, it was designed primarily to transport large number of commuters and goods between Satellite Towns and the City.
Bello further disclosed that the Implementation of the project has been divided into phases; with phase 1 being what is being commissioned. Phase 1, he revealed consists of Lot 1A & 3 with a total length of 45.3 kilometres.
Both Lots, he said, connect at the Idu Station to enable easy passenger transfer with the National Rail line linking Kaduna and Abuja.
He said the entire Abuja mass rail project is packaged into 6 Lots planned for phased development, based on preferential demand and available financial resources. It would also integrate with the National Rail Network when eventually completed.
Giving further breakdown on the cost of the project, the Minister said the Lots 1A and 3 cost the total sum of US$823,540,545.87, with 60 percent of this sum provided by the China – Exim Bank while the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) provided the remaining 40 percent.
The FCT Minister equally disclosed that the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA has also taken delivery of the three coaches meant for initial operations while awaiting the arrival of the rolling stock of 48 coaches.
To this effect, FCTA, he disclosed has concluded an infrastructure soft loan agreement with Exim Bank of China for the supply of the remaining coaches, including their maintenance for three years at a cost of US$194,008,602.43.
The Bank would fund the project to the tune of US$157,001,049.89 (85%), while the FCTA would bring in a counterpart fund of US$37,007,552.54 (15%).
The FCT Minister paid glowing tributes to President Buhari for his inspiration and support towards the project. He acknowledged all past FCT Ministers and officials who made their own contribution to the success of the project.
His words, “As you commission this project, Mr. President, I wish to acknowledge with great appreciation the role played by past Ministers of the FCT and their respective staff for initiating this project and nurturing it over the years.
Our appreciation also goes to the China – Exim Bank, the Consultants, the Contractors, CCECC and Julius Berger Plc handling infrastructure projects in the Central Business District for timely completion of the access road to the Station and the Communities along the rail corridor and their leaders for the support they have rendered to this project.”
In his goodwill message , the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Nigeria, Dr. Zhou Jingpian, praised the Nigerian government for their commitment to improving the living conditions of the people of Nigeria.
He described the relationship between Nigeria and China as very cordial while giving assurances of the commitment of the Chinese government to stronger partnership and collaborating with Nigeria. Saying, to go far, the Chinese Government wishes to go together with Nigeria.
https://www.africaprimenews.com/2018/04/19/news/nigerias-fcta-to-complete-idu-industrial-park-infrastructure/