By Salifu Faridat
The Federal Government has announced its commitment to restore the Abuja Metro Line, also known as the FCT rail line, after it was left abandoned for two years.
Dr. Magdalene Ajani, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, revealed recently, that the government, in collaboration with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), is diligently working to revive the metro line.
Speaking at a webinar hosted by the Nigeria Transportation Commissioners’ Forum (NTCF) titled ‘From the Exclusive List to the Concurrent List: Strategies for Rail Development and Investments for Sub-Nationals,’ Dr. Ajani emphasized the importance of cooperation between the federal government and sub-national governments to achieve positive outcomes in rail development.
The Abuja Metro Line’s first phase was inaugurated with much enthusiasm in 2018 but was later abandoned. Now, with renewed efforts and a collaborative approach, the federal government and FCTA aim to breathe new life into this essential rail infrastructure.
During the webinar, experts advised states and regions to conduct thorough planning and feasibility studies before embarking on rail projects to ensure their success. States like Lagos are actively developing multiple rail corridors as part of their commitment to enhancing transportation infrastructure.
The upcoming National Transport Technology Conference and Exhibition 2023 will further facilitate discussions on advancing rail development and investments at both the national and sub-national levels.
With these efforts, the restoration of the Abuja Metro Line promises to bring enhanced connectivity and transportation options to the Federal Capital Territory.