President Overrides Wike, Declares 6-month Free Train Ride

President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, declared six months free Metro Train ride for Abuja’s residents, against the two months earlier approved by FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

Abuja Metro train service begins from the station located behind the Abuja World Trade Centre and terminates at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, with about seven stopover stations.

Tinubu who flagged off the commercial operations and also enjoyed the inaugural ride from the metro station to the airport, said his administration was poised to “alleviating the hardship of Nigerians and would do everything possible to accomplish it.”

The President who expressed satisfaction that the minister and his team were able to achieve complete rehabilitation of the railway lines, which were vandalised during the COVID-19 as well as commencing the commercial operations, urged Abuja residents to own the project and ensure its protection.

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The President said: “When we came to office, in my desire to have a functional and flourishing Federal Capital with efficient public infrastructure and transportation that will serve the people who live and work within the city and the surrounding communities, I made a request, a public request and a challenge to (the FCT Minister) Nyesom Wike.

“Then, I did not know that he would be able to deliver this project on time. I said ‘Don’t give me land, Mr Landlord. Give me the assurance that I will be able to ride on the Metro Line’. He laughed and nodded his head. I am very proud that today, he delivered on that promise.

Now, if you give me land, you have fulfilled your promise.” Speaking earlier, FCT Minister Wike assured residents of his unflinching commitment to resolving all difficulties they face on public transportation system.

He vowed that his administration would work with all the support from the President to provide a transportation system that will measure up with international standards.