Abuja Light Rail Transports Over 250,000 Passengers in Just 100 Days

The Abuja Light Rail system has successfully transported more than 250,000 passengers within just over 100 days of commercial passenger operations.

Developed and operated by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), the rail system comprises two lines spanning a total of 45 kilometers. John Zhao, a CCECC official in Nigeria, shared the update in a Twitter post on Friday.

The network features 12 stations, connecting key locations such as the Abuja city center, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, the main railway line, and the Kubwa satellite town.

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“Phase I of the Abuja Rail Mass Transit by CCECC has been operating safely for over 100 days! Consisting of two lines, with a total length of 45 km and 12 stations, the maximum operating speed of the trains is 100 km/h. It connects Abuja city center, the international airport, rail line, and Kubwa satellite town. Over 250,000 passengers have already been served,” Zhao said.

Since operations began, the rail system has significantly reduced traffic congestion in Abuja.

Initially constructed by CCECC and inaugurated in 2018 during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, the rail project faced delays due to missing infrastructure like access roads and setbacks from the COVID-19 pandemic. These challenges led to temporary halts, but subsequent budget allocations addressed the issues.

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In August 2023, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) awarded a N5 billion contract to CCECC for the rail system’s rehabilitation. Additionally, the Federal Executive Council approved N5.5 billion in October 2023 for the construction of access roads to serve nearby communities.

The 2024 Federal Capital Territory budget allocated N29 billion to further support the rail project. Originally valued at $823 million, the construction of the project generated over 10,000 jobs for Nigerians.

Passenger services on Phase I of the rail line began in May 2024, with CCECC operating the line. To boost ridership, President Bola Tinubu introduced a two-month free ride initiative, which was extended to the end of 2024, increasing public interest and usage.

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