Rail

Abuja, March 7, 2024: The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says the Abuja Rail Mass Transit (ARMT) project is 95 per cent completed and will be ready for inauguration in May.

Wike stated this when the Belgium Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Pieter Leenknegt, visited him in Abuja on Wednesday.

The minister explained that the feat was part of efforts to improve public transportation in the federal capital, Abuja.

“When we came on board, we found out that the Abuja Light Rail was not functional and we felt that it will be a good thing for the people, if we decongest the city by putting it to function.

“So, President Bola Tinubu directed that whatever can be done, should be done, so that in his one year in office, the light rail will come on board for the use of the residents.

“The people can use it going out of the city, going to the airport and other area councils, and instead of going with their vehicles they can take the train.

“I can announce to you that we are almost there. The company handling the project, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), is almost 95 per cent completed.

“By the grace of God, we believe that in May, Mr President will inaugurate it,” the minister said.

Wike added that discussion was on-going with private investors to change the mode of public transportation in the FCT.

He acknowledged that the deficit in public transportation constituted a security challenge in the city, adding that most of the operators were not registered.

He expressed concern that most residents did not know the vehicle they were boarding, adding that efforts were on-going to ensure all public transport operators were registered.

The minister added that the government had concluded plans to build taxi and bus terminals where residents could patronise registered and identified operators.

He further said that the construction of the terminals would commence in the next one month, with the approval of the Bureau of Public Procurement.

The minister also said that discussion was on-going with the Inspector General of Police, the Director-General, Department of State Services, and cattle herders on ways to stop open grazing in the city.

He explained that the discussion was to get the herders to understand why they should not rear cattle within the city.

“I can tell you that it is not what we want, but believing that the matter will be resolved and alternative will be provided for the herders to rear their cattle,” he said.

Wike also sought partnership with the Belgian government on security and agriculture.

Earlier, the Ambassador said that the visit was to get to know the minister’s plans in mass public transportation, update on the Abuja Light Rail project and the stand on open grazing in the city.

Leenknegt expressed satisfaction with developments in the FCT, particularly the green vegetation and trees as well as less traffic.

He said that the Belgian government was open for partnership on areas of mutual benefits.

Abuja, Jan. 12, 2024: The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says FCT Administration will work round the clock to deliver the Abuja Rail Mass Transit (ARMT) System project on May 29.

Wike stated this after an inspection tour of the project in Abuja on Thursday, to ensure timely delivery of the project.

He said: “I am not a pessimist, and I believe that if we put all our energy into it, we may achieve it. I have also disbursed the funds for access roads, so we have no excuse.”

The FCTA had in August 2023, announced the award of N5 billion contract for the rehabilitation of ARMT system.

The contract was awarded to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Ltd (CCECC), to be delivered within eight months.

On assumption into office, Wike identified the ARMT as one of the projects that would be commissioned on May 29 to mark President Bola Tinubu’s one year in office.

The minister expressed dissatisfaction with the delivery of the project, following the persistent vandalism and stealing of critical facilities and equipment of the rail system.

“This is one project that I am so compassionate about, and you know that Mr President has given me a directive that must not be taken for granted.

“When we first visited the metro station, I discovered that there were many security lapses.

“I remember when I first came after our inauguration, I did say that we will have to work on the issue of security by putting a fence around the Metro Station to fend off criminals.

“Unfortunately, that has not been done and to my surprise, I discovered that the contract was not even awarded to CCECC. It is a different contractor awarded by the FCT.

“This is my first time hearing this, and we are going to take it up immediately to see that the fence is put in place, because you can’t talk of operation, when you have not tackled the issue of security,” he said.

He expressed concern that in spite of engaging security companies to secure the rail facilities, vandalism and stealing had continued unabated.

He said that a measure would be put in place to curtail the problem, insisting that there would be no room for excuses.

“I will not be happy if in May this year, we are not able to operate this metro line. It will be very disastrous for me.

“Even the designs of the rail stations are very poor. whoever approved the design is unfair to Nigerians. I have told CCECC that the designs are not even acceptable in their countries,” Wike said.

In spite of these daunting challenges, Wike expressed optimism that the May 29 target may be achieved.

“Be it as it has been, we still have to work round the clock to see that we achieved our result.

“I have also directed that all the stations must be cleaned, and all the necessary facilities must be provided. There is no room for excuses at all,” Wike said.

The minister also complained on the quality of the access roads linking the rail stations, saying, “the construction is not the best but again what do you do, this is what is on ground.

“Frankly speaking, knowing where I am coming from, and having presided over projects like this, I cannot tell you that I am happy.

“I am not happy, the company must speed up, those who are doing the access roads must also speed up,” he directed.

Abuja, Sept. 20, 2023: Vice president Kashim Shettima, on Wednesday revealed that the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Ltd. (CCECC) has pledged to complete the Abuja light rail project in May 2024.

Mr Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, in a statement, said Shettima extracted the commitment from the management of CCECC when its Chairman, Mr Jason Zhang, paid him a courtesy visit at the presidential villa.

The vice president said the move was in line with the determination of President Tinubu’s administration to enhance infrastructural development across the country.

He stated that the Abuja rail project, like others, remains dear to President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian people.

Shettima described the company as part of Nigeria’s history, noting that the Chinese construction giant has played a pivotal role in developing Nigeria’s landmark projects.

He added that its commitment to the development of Nigeria and Africa was commendable.

“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 present administration would sustain the existing relationship with it and the people of China.

Earlier, the company’s Managing Director, David Waig, reiterated CCECC’s commitment towards delivering the project within the stipulated period.

Waig stated that CCECC leave no stone unturned in ensuring the delivery of the Abuja light rail line in May 2024.

He called on the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to engage an operational company that would quickly see to smooth take off of the rail project.

Also present at the meeting were the Deputy Managing Directors of the company, Mr Jaques Liao and Mr Inain Guo, and the General Manager (Business) of the company, Mr Eric Yu.

Kano Sept.16,2023: The Minister of Transport, MrSaidu Alkali, on Saturday, directed the contractor handling the Kaduna to Kano rail line construction to use anti-theft materials to check the activities of vandals.

Alkali gave the directive while inspecting the level of work on the construction site in Makarfi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

He advised the contractors to use anti-theft clips instead of the metal clips they were using in holding the rail track.

He said that using anti-theft clips would make it difficult for vandals to remove.

The minister explained that the visit was to monitor progress and offer advice where necessary.

“We came to see things for ourselves, as you know, seeing is believing. We were able to appraise the performance of the contractor.

“We have raised some little observations on the clips they are using, and we have asked them to use anti-theft clips so that they cannot be easily removed by vandals,” he said.

Noting the security challenge in the area, the minister promised to collaborate with security agencies to ensure the delivery of the project in the shortest time possible.

Earlier, the Project Coordinator, China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC), Mr Mark Zoe, said that the project has reached 22.6 per cent completion.

Zoe, however, identified insecurity as a serious challenge in the area and asked for a collaboration with the military to ensure the safety of workers while on site.

He said that already, two of the company’s staff had been kidnapped along Tashar Yari in Makarfi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Dadin Kowa (Jigawa), Sept. 16, 2023: The Minister of Transport, Mr Ahmed Alkali, has expressed satisfaction with the level of ongoing construction of the $2 billion Kano-Maradi, Niger Republic, standard gauge rail project.

Alkali spoke to newsmen at Dadin Kowa in Kazaure Local Government Area of Jigawa shortly after inspecting the project on Friday.

“We are fully committed in ensuring timely completion of the ongoing Kano – Jigawa – Maradi rail line project, aimed at boosting the economy of the Nigeria and Niger republic.

“We are working hard to fix this country; so in terms of reviewing the financial aspect we must make sacrifice, including the contractor,” he said.

The minister, who drove by road from Kano to Daura, said he was satisfied with the level of the work done so far.

He said with the speed at which the project is going hopefully the contactors would meet the target of timely completion by 2025.

H explained that the standard gauge rail line project, which commenced from Dawanau in Kano State, passed through Jigawa and Katsina States, and terminate at Maradi in Niger Republic.

“The $2 billion project awarded by former President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to be completed at the set agreed project target year of 2025.

“The earth work of the project has reached 80 per cent stage, while real rail line work would soon commence after the earth works.

“I am very impressed with what we have seen; we came all the way from Dawanau where the project started so that we have first hand information of the level of the execution of the project and the contractors are in compliance with the level of specifications of the job,” he stated.

The minister said that the major work has been done and there is every tendency that they would meet the target.

Alkali noted that the bush and earth clearing works from Dawanau in Kano state to Daura area of Katsina state were done perfectly and that the contract is smoothly going on without any hitches.

On whether the original cost of the project would be reviewed to meet current high cost of production realities, the minister urged the contractor to make some sacrifices to contribute his quota in the fixing of Nigeria by the Tinubu-led administration.

The Lead Contractor, Mr Vladislav Bystrenko, said the contract sum was 1.95 billion U.S dollars and that they signed contractual obligations around 2021 with the Federal Government.

He added that even before fund was released to them they went ahead with some major jobs of designing, land survey, supervision of the entire area of the contract to reduce major part of the project.

Bystrenko appreciated that government is highly serious and desirous of completing the project by 2025.

The minister, while in Daura, inspected the Muhammadu Buhari University of Transportation, where the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Adam Umar, promised to commence admissions in October.

Lagos, Sept. 4, 2023: The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has flagged off the operation of the Blue Line light rail and assured customers of maximum security while on board.

Sanwo-Olu spoke as he joined the rail as its first passenger during its inaugural commercial operation, for the use of the masses in Lagos on Monday.

He acknowledged President Bola Tinubu for being the brain behind the achievement, by including the train in the master plan of  the Lagos government.

The government said it had come to reality for Lagos residents to enjoy.

Speaking after a ride on the light rail, Sanwo-Olu expressed gratitude to the management of the Lagos State  Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) for ensuring that safety and security of the train was properly managed throughout the journey.

He also commended the Lagos State Commissioner of Police as well as all the security agencies in Lagos for ensuring safety of lives and properties of the passengers while boarding the train.

He advised Lagos residents as well as students to obtain the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) Card and the Cowry Card, which had been integrated to board all the means of government transportation in Lagos.

Sanwo-Olu said that with the light rail, he, alongside other passengers, had been able to reach many places in Lagos and return in less than an hour.

He said that the multi-modal transportation had been fully integrated in Lagos with the commencement of the blue light rail.

The Senior Special Rail Design Engineer, LAMATA, Mr Abidemi Atobatele, said that all the terminals were covered by security men and Closed Circuit Television, assuring passengers of full security within the areas.

He said that the train was electrified and pleaded with the residents not to cross over the rail area, but to make use of the pedestrian bridges.

One of the passengers, Ahmed Farida, commended the Lagos State Government for completing the light rail project, saying it would ease  movement across Lagos.

“With this train, there is no stress; we are able to move around. You can work with your time, and your mental health is intact now; gone are the days we complained of traffic and all of that.

” So, we went to about five places within an hour to and fro; I must commend the working governor for this great project,” she said.

She urged Lagos residents to support government in maintaining the light rail project.

Princess Mulikat Sanni, former, President, Chartered Institute of Transport Administration (CIoTA) urged Nigerians to ensure they maintain the light train project.

Sanni said that the commencement of the rail would create more job opportunities and add value to the economy of the state.

The Managing Director, Lagos State Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Mrs Abimbola Akinajo, had said ahead of the commencement that with feasibility study, the train system would be conveying 175,000 passengers on daily basis.

She said that though the commercial operations would have begun in the first quarter of 2023, it was delayed to ensure that all modalities were in place.

”As you know, the first phase of the blue line was commissioned, the infrastructure completion was commissioned by Mr President (Former President, Muhammadu Buhari) in December.

”At the time, we had said to you we would start operations in March. Unfortunately, we did not, by the end of the first quarter, then it was by the end of the second quarter. Unfortunately, we had hiccups with power delivery.

”We are here to say that we are completely ready in terms of all operational infrastructure. The reason that we have been delayed is due to the fact that our power provision was delayed,”  Akinajo had said.

The LAMATA boss said that the train service, which would run from Mile 2 to Marina, would run 12 trips on daily basis for a period of two weeks, and the service would gradually increase.

” We will be working according to a timetable. That timetable will be available on LAMATA’s website, that timetable will also be available at every station.

“When the train gets into any station, it will stop for no more than 90 seconds. So, you need to know, and this is it, for us to understand that it is a scheduled service,” she had said.

She said that the Blue Line Rail service had five stations which comprise Marina, National Theatre, Orile-Iganmu, Alaba, and Mile 2.

Abuja, Aug. 5, 2023: The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Friday, announced the award of N5 billion contract for the rehabilitation of Abuja Rail Mass Transit (ARMT) System.

The project would be executed by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Ltd (CCECC) within 12 months.

Mr Olusade Adesola, Permanent Secretary FCTA said the aim was to restore the vital rail transportation infrastructure, which he described as the “life blood of Abuja city”.

According to him, the Abuja light rail will play a crucial role in easing transportation challenges and enhancing mobility for residents.

He explained that the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the temporary shutdown of the rail system as part of measures to curb the spread of the virus.

Adesola added that during the period of inactivity, hoodlums vandalised essential equipment of the rail system, which was a “serious setback”.

The permanent secretary said that contracts for the provision of security for the ARMT System have been awarded.

“We are taking stringent measures to safeguard this valuable asset.

“We will not allow the actions of a few vandals to undermine the progress and potential of this essential public service.

“We will leave no stone unturned in restoring the Abuja Light Rail System to its former glory and ensuring it surpasses its previous performance,” he said.

Adesola explained that the rehabilitation would involve the repair and replacement of damaged equipment, upgrading of facilities, and implementing modern security measures to protect against future threats.

He assured residents that the process would be expedited without compromising quality.

“We will soon witness the return of a more efficient and reliable transportation system.

“This is because revitalisation of the Abuja Rail Mass Transit System is not just about repairing physical infrastructure; it is a testament to the resilience of our city and its people.

“It showcases our determination to overcome challenges and our unwavering commitment to the welfare of our citizens.

“It is a demonstration of our government’s dedication to creating an enabling environment for economic growth and social well-being,” Adesola added.

The Director of Transportation, FCTA, Mr Joseph Akinteye, explained that the project consists Lots 1 A and 3, which span 45.245 kilometres.

Akinteye said that initial ARMT system was 77.775 km but only 45.245 km was completed in 2017, commissioned in 2018, and followed by a trial operation service which lasted for 20 months.

“Unfortunately, the trial service ended abruptly in March 2020, due to the advent of COVID- 19 pandemic and its extent protocols,” he said.

He said that the rehabilitation, when completed, would bring back the Metro Line services.

According to him, the ripple impacts would be an immense relief to the present unpleasant effects of the fuel subsidy removal on Nigerians, especially FCT residents.

The Managing Director, CCECC, Mr Wang Xixue, said that the rehabilitation of the vandalised components of the ARMT system was critical to the development of the transportation system in the FCTA.

He pledged that the rehabilitation would be completed in 12 months.

“As a socially responsible company, we are concerned about the development of the public transport system in FCTA and within Nigeria.

“We will maintain close cooperation with relevant stakeholders, to contribute to the development of an advanced public railway transport system.,” he said.

Lagos, July 8, 2023: Ports & Cargo Handling Services (PCHS), a subsidiary of SIFAX Group, recorded a milestone with the successful cargo handling of the $200 million Kano-Maradi (Niger Republic) rail project equipment.

Mr John Jenkins, the Managing Director, PCHS, said this in a statement on Friday in Lagos.

Jenkins said the rail project milestone was being handled by Mota-Engil Nigeria Ltd.

According to Jenkins, the multi-million dollars heavy-duty equipment handled by the company arrived via MV-TINA vessel at the terminal last week.

“It included wheel loaders, backhoe loaders, crawler excavators, truck-mounted concrete pumps, concrete mixer trucks, telehandlers, motor graders, vibratory soil compactors, and many more,” he said.

Jenkins thanked the construction firm for trusting the company to handle their equipment.

He notied that handling such volume was an indication of the trust which clients had in the terminal operator’s excellent service delivery.

“I will like to thank Mota-Engil for trusting and working with us. Our handling of this volume of cargo is an indication of our capacity to deliver excellent service.

“We have a rich blend and mix of human capital and equipment at our company and this has helped us to meet and surpass the expectations of our clients.

“The terminal has capacity to also store various cargoes conveniently too. We put in our best to make sure that best value is delivered always.

“ We are proud that the equipment that will be used for the rail construction are handled by us,” he said.

Jenkins said the company had well-established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in line with global best practices which made service delivery at the terminal seamless.

“We don’t have documentation issues here at PCHS, we have established SOPs to make operations here very seamless.

“As far as PCHS is concerned, we give sufficient resources in handling big and large volumes,” he said.

Also speaking, the Logistics Manager, Mota-Engil Nigeria Ltd., Nuno Colaco, said that the exceptional service delivery, open communication and available manpower at the terminal signpost a serious terminal operator.

Colaco said that the handling of the equipment by PCHS was done in a timely and professional manner.