Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has instructed that the Chinese Concession Company be fully paid to expedite the rehabilitation of the Abuja light rail project, aiming to complete it within a span of eight months.

This directive was issued by Wike on a Wednesday while he was conducting an inspection of the Abuja Metro Station at Idu and the Airport Station. This marked his initial official duty outside his office.

He emphasized the critical importance of reinstating the Abuja metro system, as it aligns with President Bola Tinubu's commitment to swiftly alleviate the suffering of Nigerians.

During his visit to the main terminal of the metro station, Wike, accompanied by Minister of State for FCT, Mairiga Mahmud, and other ministry officials, addressed the contractors and raised concerns about the work's quality.

Continuing his tour, the FCT minister took a train ride from the metro station through the Idu Station to the Airport Station.

Naija News has reported that the rail project, initially planned in six phases, was financed using loans from the China EXIM Bank. Following the significant damage to the rail infrastructure, the FCT Administration awarded a new contract worth N5 billion in August 2023 to rehabilitate it within a year.

The Abuja light rail, inaugurated at the metro station in 2018, operated for approximately two years before services were suspended primarily due to vandalism.