Nigeria’s president commissions first phase of Abuja Metro

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Photo: The Office of the President of Nigeria.
Photo: The Office of the President of Nigeria.
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President Muhammadu Buhari has said it is a “dream come true” to commission the first phase of a light rail network in Nigeria’s capital city.

Known as the Abuja Metro, the 45km line was built by China Civil Engineering and Construction Corporation with the help of Chinese investment and president Buhari was quick to praise the country’s support of the project.

He said: “Let me place on record the Nigerian government’s appreciation to the government of China and the EXIM Bank of China for their support on this and many other projects currently being executed in the country.

“This gesture further cements the already existing cordial relations and developmental partnership between Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China.”


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In his commissioning speech, president Buhari alluded to the fact the current rolling stock could only provide “skeletal services”. However, he said that negotiations had recently taken place in China and that agreements were signed for the procurement of the main rolling stock needed to operate a full service.

In addition, Buhari described transportation as “the live wire of any city” and said the system, which connects the airport and national rail network, will boost the economy of the wider Federal Capital Territory area around Abuja.

He added: “The second phase of the Abuja light rail will connect more parts of the city, while our standard gauge national rail is also taking shape, with the Lagos-Ibadan leg currently under construction.”

After commissioning the system, president Buhari toured Idu station, where he was shown around the metro’s control centre, and Airport station (Pictured).


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