Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), says Abuja light rail will operate free for two months.
Speaking on Thursday during the ongoing ministerial press briefing to mark the one-year performance of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Wike said that the Abuja light rail would be commissioned by the President on Monday.
He said that the free ride would commence on Tuesday after the inauguration on Monday, adding that this is part of President’s renewed hope agenda for the residents of the FCT and its environments.
The FCT minister urged residents to begin use of the metro rails from Tuesday, saying that the goal was to aid the ease of commuting for residents and that the President may extend the free train rides up to 6 months.
“For those who are saying that the rail system had already been commissioned, don’t make a mistake. What was earlier commissioned was the building. What we want to commission on Monday is commercial operations,” Wike said.
“If you are going to the airport, from here to airport is 20 minutes. Seeing is believing. Go on Tuesday. We are going to allow for free rides for two months. You know, Mr. President, he can even say extend it to six months just to reduce the pain of our people. That is renewed hope agenda.”
He added the FCT administration will begin the construction of 10,000 affordable housing units tagged the Renewed Hope City from the coming year, 2025.