Buhari commissions Abuja light rail system
President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday commissioned Abuja light rail system.
He was optimistic that a modern rail service would bring about a boost to the FCT economy and enhance social life in the city.
Buhari said “I am very pleased to be here today to formally Commission the Abuja Light Rail System. The completion of this very important project is a dream come-true . I commend the Hon. Minister of F.C.T for the hard work and sense of purpose towards the realization of this long awaited modern transportation system for both FCT residents and visitors.
“This accomplishment clearly demonstrates our commitment to addressing critical infrastructural projects and keeping with the ideals of the Change Agenda to ensure prudence in the management of public resources, value for money considering the huge investments in this project.
“Transportation is the live wire of any city. I am very optimistic that a modern rail service would bring about a boost to the FCT economy and greatly enhance social life. I am aware that what we have on ground today are coaches meant to provide skeletal services as we await the main set of the rolling stock for full operations.
“I have been briefed on the outcome of the Hon. Ministers of F.C.T and Finance recent visit to China, during which the MOUs and agreements for the procurements of the main rolling stock were signed.” he added
The President gave assurance of the Federal Government’s continued support for the negotiations towards realization of the Abuja Light Rail system.
The commissioning of the light rail in the Federal Capital Territory, he said, is another evidence that his government is delivering on its promises.
He added “I have observed keenly other milestones that this Administration has achieved, especially in the areas of education, public utilities and infrastructure development.
“I commend the efforts of the Hon. Minister of F.C.T. as well as the support and patience of the residents, while we are working to improve the city’s transportation service.
“I am thankful to the Government and people of China for their investment in the Nigerian economy. I commend the CCECC Limited – the Contracting Firm, for the quality of work and timely delivery of this project.
“Let me place on record the Nigerian government’s appreciation to the Government of China and the EXIM Bank of China for their support on this and many other projects currently being executed in the country.
“This gesture further cements the already existing cordial relations and developmental partnership between Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China. I would also like to thank our Nigerian Consultants, Messrs Transurb Technirail Consult Limited for their services.”
The President urged the FCT Administration, especially, the management of the rail services, to ensure efficient operations, good customer service and maintenance culture in the operations punctuality of the rail.
Abuja Light Rail, our project, PDP flays Buhari, APC
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has chided President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC) for attempting to claim credit for the Abuja Light Rail Project, saying Nigerians are aware that it (PDP) initiated the project.
The party said President Buhari’s “showboating and rush to commission the rail project, without giving credit to the PDP,” even when his administration contributed nothing to the project, underscores his desperation to claim achievements made by others in a frantic bid to cover incompetence and failure of his administration.
In a statement signed by the party’s spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan, the party accused the Buhari-led government of incompetence and lack of ideas to transform the nation’s economy.
“It is crystal clear that President Buhari cannot comprehend the design, scope and utility projection of the rail project resulting in his hollow speech at the photo-op commissioning ceremony.
“Is it not unfortunate that, after three years in office, President Buhari cannot boast of any development project conceptualized and executed by his administration in any part of the country, resulting in his numerous face-saving stunts, including commissioning projects executed by others, amongst them, a bus stop in Lagos and a borehole in Jigawa states?, the statement read in part, adding that it was unfortunate and “pathetic that not only that the Buhari administration lacks the capacity to articulate and run any precise economic policy or project, it is also so inept that it cannot leverage on those handed over to it by the PDP, resulting in the helpless situation we have found ourselves as a people.”
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