- To construct two multi-event sports centres
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced the extension of security contracts for the Abuja Rail Mass Transit (ARMT) system, ensuring enhanced protection for the rail infrastructure through 2026.
This was disclosed during a press briefing following an Executive Council meeting chaired by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, on Monday.
This decision comes in response to ongoing concerns about vandalism and security threats that have plagued the rail network since its operations were suspended in early 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The FCTA has awarded a contract valued at N718 million to two private security firms tasked with safeguarding the entire 45 kilometers of rail track and its 12 stations. This initiative aims to prevent further damage and ensure the safety of passengers as the system prepares for full commercial operations, which resumed on May 29, 2024.
Mandate Secretary for Transportation, Chinedum Elechi, emphasised the importance of maintaining robust security measures to protect valuable equipment and infrastructure. He noted that previous vandalism incidents had resulted in significant financial losses and operational disruptions. “The renewal of these contracts is critical to ensuring that our rail services can operate smoothly and safely,” Elechi stated.
He said, “As you may recall, by 2018, the operations of the Abuja Rail Mass Transit took off into the first stage of Lot 1A and Lot 3 of the trial stage by 2018.
“By 2019, COVID broke out, and there was a major lockdown. Post-COVID, there was serious vandalization of the 45 kilometers rail line with very expensive telecommunication cable because it’s a light rail, so almost everything is electronic.
“So it prompted the FCT administration at the time, after having awarded a contract for rehabilitation of the vandalization, running into to billions of naira. So there was need at the time to employ security companies, civil security companies to be the lead security companies, of course, with the regular security companies playing a supporting role.
“So at that time, in 2022, two security companies were awarded a contract, one for the Lot 1A, which is from Idu to Kubwa, and Lot 3, which is the rail line from Metro to the airport. So because of those contracts and those surveillances, the vandalization on the line dropped dramatically. Now the contract had just expired, and as you know we have started full commercial operations after the flag of May 2024. We all know what’s happening in the country, vandalization left, right, and center. So there was need to also renew the contract for the security of the rail line because this is expensive equipment that we’re talking about here. And the honorable minister intends for the Abuja Rail Mass Transit to run completely and thoroughly all through his tenure and even forever, which is the plan, to lay a solid foundation”.
Emphasising the importance of the contract for the security of the operation of the metro train. “Because if one single cable is vandalized, it will distort the operations for a long time. That is why it became imperative for the contract to be renewed between 2024 up to 2026. It’s a two-year cycle. And so that is what we arrived at and EXCO approved the contract”.
The Abuja Rail Mass Transit system, which initially commenced operations in July 2018, faced numerous challenges during its trial phase, including limited service availability and extensive vandalism.
The FCTA’s commitment to security is part of a broader strategy to revitalize the ARMT and improve transportation services in Abuja.
As part of ongoing efforts, the FCTA is also investing N5 billion in rehabilitating vital components of the rail system, further demonstrating its dedication to restoring efficient public transport in the capital. The administration aims to create a safer and more reliable transit experience for residents while fostering economic growth through improved mobility.
In a related development, the
FCTA announced plans to construct two multi-event sports centers in Abuja, aimed at enhancing youth development and promoting physical fitness among residents.
The acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Richard Dauda, while
briefing journalists at the end of the meeting.
Dauda indicated that the contracts for the construction have been awarded to unnamed two companies and the values were not disclosed.
The new sports centers will feature a variety of facilities, including football pitches, tennis courts, and indoor sports areas, catering to a wide range of athletic activities.
“This initiative aligns with our Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on the physical and mental well-being of our youth,” Dauda stated. He emphasized that once completed, these centers will be accessible to all citizens, promoting community engagement in sports.