Nigerians in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will enjoy two months of free train rides, announced Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the FCT. This initiative is part of the celebrations marking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s first year in office.
Announcement Details
The announcement was made during the Ministerial Sectoral Updates event in Abuja, which featured key ministers including:
- Senator Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and National Planning
- Dr. Jamila Ibrahim Bio, Minister of Youth Development
- Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, Minister of Steel Development
- Dr. Mariya Mahmud, Minister of State for FCT
- Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State Petroleum
- Mr. Ayodele Olawande, Minister of State for Youth Development
Infrastructure and Development
Wike highlighted the significant infrastructural developments in the FCT, asserting that by next year, Abuja will be comparable to global cities in terms of road networks. He credited President Tinubu’s strategic decision to remove the FCT from the Treasury Single Account (TSA) as a catalyst for these achievements.
Metro Line Commercial Operation
Wike revealed that President Tinubu will inaugurate the commercial operation of the Abuja metro line. The President will ride the metro on Monday, May 27th, and free rides will be available to the public from Tuesday onwards for two months. This initiative is part of the “Renewed Hope Agenda” aimed at alleviating the public’s hardships.
Achievements in Security, Infrastructure, and Education
Wike detailed the government’s accomplishments in improving infrastructure, security, and education in the FCT:
- Security: The FCT has seen a significant reduction in crime rates, including kidnappings and other criminal activities. The government has provided the necessary logistics for security agencies, enhancing their operational efficiency.
- Infrastructure: Up to 120 kilometers of roads are expected to be commissioned by December this year. All six Area Councils in the FCT have received improved road networks and other infrastructure developments.
- Education: Over 19 schools are currently being rehabilitated to enhance the quality of education in the FCT.
Support for Civil Servants
Wike emphasized the administration’s commitment to supporting civil servants in the FCT. Upon taking office, it was discovered that many civil servants were stagnated in their positions. The government has since implemented a law passed in 2018, creating the FCT Civil Service Commission and appointing a Permanent Secretary and Head of Service for the FCT.
Commitment to Indigenous People
Wike assured that the current government has been more inclusive of the indigenous people of Abuja than previous administrations. He pledged that the Tinubu government’s Renewed Hope Agenda will positively impact all parts of the FCT, including satellite towns.
This comprehensive update underscores the FCT administration’s efforts to improve living conditions and infrastructure, reflecting the broader goals of President Tinubu’s administration.
