State House Press Release in part!
President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, announced that Nigerians and other commuters would enjoy free train rides on the Abuja Metro Line until the end of the year.
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| President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu flag off the relaunch of commercial activities on the Abuja Metro Line |
The President made this declaration while flagging off the re-launch of commercial operations on the Abuja Light Rail.
“Our dear Landlord, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), I have heard you say there will be free train rides for two months. I want to appeal to you to make it until the end of the year. Let us give the people reasons to celebrate,’’ the President said before taking a 40-minute ride from the metro station to the airport station.
He described the operations on the Abuja Metro Line as a symbolic milestone of enduring progress as a country and in the FCT.
“As we gather to commemorate the first anniversary of my administration, we are also celebrating the fruits of collaboration, dedication, progress, and foresightedness.
“The Abuja Metro was inherited by my administration from my predecessor. It was first commissioned in 2018 for public use, but this was not to be. COVID-19 struck. The train service was abandoned, vandalized, disused, and abused.
“When we came into office, as part of my desire to have a functional and flourishing FCT with efficient public infrastructure and transportation systems that will serve the people who live and work within the city and the surrounding communities, I made a public request and a challenge to the Minister, Nyesom Wike.
“Then, I did not know that he would be able to deliver this project on time. I said, ‘Do not give me land, Mr. Landlord’. He gave me the assurance that I will be able to ride on the metro line, and I am very proud that today you delivered on that promise,” the President said.
President Tinubu highlighted the significance of transportation in providing hope to the people and commended the completion of access roads to the various train stations.
“Transportation gives hope and access to various individuals and organizations. The access roads to the various stations have been done, and today, we are proud to say that you are truly serving the nation,” the President said.
In his remarks, the Minister of the FCT recounted how the President’s directive at a public event in September 2023 spurred the FCT administration into action.
Barrister Wike also revealed that the construction of access roads cost N21.4 billion.
The Minister emphasized that the successful operationalization of the metro line is a testament to the reality and great possibilities of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“We have given back renewed hope to the people. The Renewed Hope Agenda is real, working, and practical. This station stands as a promise made and a promise kept,” the Minister said.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
May 29, 2024
More photos:
Photos: @FMINONigeria
