The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced that the federal government will commence a two-month free ride service on the Abuja Light Rail following its commissioning on Monday, May 27.
Wike made this announcement on Thursday during a ministerial press briefing reviewing the 12-month performance of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in Abuja.
The minister stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will commission the railway on Monday, May 27, 2024, and it will begin commercial operations on Tuesday, offering a two-month free ride service to all commuters.
According to Wike, this initiative is part of President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda for the FCT residents and its surroundings.
He clarified that while the building was previously commissioned, the commercial operations of the rail system will be commissioned on Monday.
Wike said that the journey from the city to the airport will take just 20 minutes, and free rides will be available for two months.
He also mentioned that President Tinubu might extend the free service to six months to alleviate people’s burdens, as part of the administration’s commitment to fulfilling promises.
His said:
“For those who are saying that the rail system had already been commissioned, don’t make a mistake. What was earlier commissioned was the building. What we want to commission on Monday is commercial operations.
“If you are going to the airport, from here to the airport is 20 minutes. Seeing is believing. Go on Tuesday. We are going to allow free rides for two months. You know, Mr. President, he can even say extend it to six months just to reduce the pain of our people. That is the renewed hope agenda. When you say something, you do it.”