The work conditions at the Abuja Light Rail Project, commonly referred to as the Abuja Rail Mass Transit Scheme, have raised concerns for Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Accompanied by senior officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Wike conducted an on-site inspection of the rail project on Thursday to assess the progress of the work.
Expressing dissatisfaction with what he observed, the Minister remarked on notable security lapses at the Abuja Metro Station. During the tour, which included visits to Kukwaba II Train station and the station’s access road under construction, Wike criticized the poor designs and questioned the approval process.
Wike conveyed his disappointment, stating, “From what I have seen, the designs are very poor. Whoever may have approved the designs is unfair to Nigerians. I’ve told CCECC that this kind of design is not even acceptable in their own country, and if I had known before now, I would not have promised Mr. President that it would be ready. It will be very disastrous for me.”
Expressing concern about potential challenges if relying solely on reports, Wike emphasized the importance of firsthand assessments, saying, “But frankly speaking, knowing where I’m coming from, having presided over projects like this, I’m not in a happy mood at all. You can imagine if I am sitting in the office and then depending on the reports from those who said they are in the field, by the time I come here in May, I will be messed up. But I thank God that I came to see things for myself.
