- Vice President Kashim Shettima announced CCECC’s commitment to completing the Abuja light rail project by May 2024, aligning with infrastructure development goals
- CCECC’s Managing Director reaffirmed their determination to complete the project on time and emphasized the need for operational readiness
Vice President Kashim Shettima announced on Wednesday that the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Ltd. (CCECC) has committed to completing the Abuja light rail project by May 2024.
In a statement, Mr Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, said Shettima obtained the commitment from CCECC management during a courtesy visit to the presidential villa by its Chairman, Mr Jason Zhang.
The vice president stated that the move aligned with President Tinubu’s administration’s determination to improve infrastructure development across the country.
Like other projects, he stated that the Abuja rail project is important to President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian people.
Shettima described the company as a part of Nigeria’s history, noting that the Chinese construction behemoth was instrumental in developing the country’s landmark projects.
He went on to say that its commitment to the development of Nigeria and Africa was admirable.
You have been in this country for 42 years. We have to commend you for all the beautiful initiatives and support over the years.
We share a lot in common with the people of China, just as you have been with us through thick and thin.
You have the financial power and the willingness to support Nigeria and other African countries without interfering in our local politics. This we appreciate a lot.
Shettima assured CCECC that the current administration would maintain the current relationship with it and the Chinese people.
Earlier, CCECC’s Managing Director, David Waig, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to completing the project on time.
Waig stated that CCECC will leave no stone unturned to complete the Abuja light rail line by May 2024.
He urged the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to hire an operational firm to ensure the rail project’s smooth start-up.