Abuja light rail gains popularity amid operational questions
The metro light rail services are often described as cheaper, faster, safer and lucrative, conveying the populace to their various destinations. Residents of Abuja and its environs welcomed the resumption of the service, which was initially funded by a loan from a Chinese bank. The first phase covers 12 stations across a distance of 45 […]
The metro light rail services are often described as cheaper, faster, safer and lucrative, conveying the populace to their various destinations.
Residents of Abuja and its environs welcomed the resumption of the service, which was initially funded by a loan from a Chinese bank.
The first phase covers 12 stations across a distance of 45 kilometres on a dual rail line.
First commissioned on July 12, 2018 by the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, the services faced interruptions, primarily due to vandalism and sabotage, particularly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
It was re-commissioned in May 2024 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who extended its free service until the end of the year following an earlier announcement of a three-month grace period by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
The rail currently operates on its phase 1 stage, covering Lot 1 (connecting the city centre to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja and Lot 3 (from Kubwa to the airport).
Passengers can interchange at the Idu Central station to proceed to any of the three aforementioned axes.
Expansion plan
This expansion is expected to connect more areas, including Nyanya, Bwari and Gwagwalada towns in the FCT, as well as Suleja and Minna in neighbouring Niger State.
Our correspondent reports that the light rail currently operates on two morning periods and two afternoon periods.
Trips usually start from and to the three existing axes at 7:30am and 9:30am, as well as 3:30pm and 5:30pm respectively.
Passengers troop to the available 12 stations to board the train. It spends about one minute at mini-stations, except at the Idu Central station, where passengers may occasionally spend about 10 minutes when they need to transfer to another train.
Our reporter took a ride across the three axes on Thursday, beginning from the Gbazango metro light rail station in Kubwa, moving to Idu Central station, the airport station, and finally, the metro station at the Abuja city centre.
The entire journey took approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. This timing does not include the 10-minute period needed to board a different train at the Idu interchange station nor the 1 hour and 20 minutes waiting period at the airport for the second morning scheduled train batch, which usually departs the airport at 10:00am and arrives at the Abuja city centre at 10:42am (42 minutes later).
Passengers’ feedback
Most of the passengers observed in the morning and later in the evening were civil servants or staff working in organizations within the Abuja city centre or airport, who reside in communities under the train service coverage.
They use the train to go to work in the morning and return in the evening, depending on their shift schedules.
Ugochi Ekeh, a resident of Kubwa and staff member of one of the agencies at the city centre, said she had been using the train for about three months.
She described the service as “well arranged and in an orderly manner.”
“I usually get to the Kubwa station from the Phase 4 area where I reside, through a commercial bike that charges me N400. On getting to the city centre, I board a taxi at N200 to get to my office. This has saved me a lot on transportation expenses that would cost more using a commercial car,” she noted.
Mrs Obiora Chidinma, who described herself as a frequent user of the train, called the service a welcome development for residents and visitors in the country’s capital.
“For now, the way they operate is very interesting, especially when compared to the Abuja-Kaduna bound trains. The only thing I want them to improve on is the security aspect: they should provide more technology and gadgets and keep exploring more innovations in this aspect,” she suggested.
Gedoni Francis praised the service since discovering it last year, commending the operators for keeping to the scheduled time and maintaining the facility.
She expressed a wish for more railway stations within her metropolitan area, giving credit to the government for doing very well.
Another passenger, Mrs Blessing Odoh, described her trips as nice experience, giving credit to the authority in charge.
Operational concerns and observations
Some officials who spoke to our correspondent suggested that expanding the service by creating additional scheduled trips daily on existing corridors, as well as constructing more rail lines to cover new areas, would help meet growing demand.
They noted that passenger congestion was becoming more frequent and suggested that introducing a small fare could help regulate crowds and support operational costs.
They argued that even a token fee, while not necessarily profitable, could offset expenses such as diesel consumption and the cost of running power-generating machines at various stations. They also pointed to the substantial manpower involved, including security personnel from different agencies, company guards, and cleaners.
A senior official in the company who requested anonymity shared his perspective on ongoing discussions about the future of the service, saying, “This free grace period is too much; let us speak the truth. These are super trains designed to operate within the city set with leisure, unlike those operated by the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) between Abuja and Kaduna, which have the capability for heavy duty operations. How long would they keep this free-charge ride?”
Commuters hail metro line subsidy, call for more coaches
Commuters in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have commend the Federal Government over the subsidised operations of the Abuja Light Rail, describing it as ann impactful public initiatiative.
They, however, urged a for an expansion of the service and additional coaches to meet growing passenger demand.
For many Abuja residents, the metro line has become more than a transportation system but a relief from the rising cost of living and fuel subsidy removal that have stretched household budgets.
“I want to thank the current governmentthat has made it possible for people like us to benefit from a government project,” said 46 year-old Emmanuel Etim, a resident of Bassa village near the airport.
“This is the first time I can say I have truly benefited from something the government has done for the masses. This train service has eased movement and made the economy a bit better for those of us who travel from satellite towns to the city for work daily.”
Another commuter, Clara Anika, shared similar sentiments, saying the service came “at the right time.”
“Things are vhard for people now. This train has really eased our movement. We don’t spend as much as we used to, and the trips are seamless. If it can be extended to other parts of Abuja, it will be a great blessing,” she said.
For Emmanuella Clara, a regular passenger, punctuality remains the service’s strongest point.
“I love that it keeps to time, no delays, no excuses. If it’s 8:00 a.m., the train moves at exactly 8:00 a.m.” she said.
However, she added that “more coaches are urgently needed because many of us have to stand during the trip.”
Similarly, Cynthia Herbert, who commutes daily between the metro station and the airport, urged authorities to increase service frequency.
“As you can see, most of us are standing,” she said.
“They should increase the number of trips in the morning and afternoon because many airport workers depend on this train.”
First-time riders
Some passengers are simply thrilled to experience a train ride for the first time. Kive Kenneth, who brought his wife to ride the metro, said, “My wife has never had a train experience before, so I brought her here to enjoy it. It’s smooth and comfortable, and for now, it’s free.”
Another commuter, Abdulrahman Omobolaji, a college student, believes the initiative should not stop at Abuja.
“If they can replicate this in other states, life will be much easier for Nigerians,” he said. “It saves time, reduces transport stress, and saves money.”
While commuters express satisfaction with the current operations, they also urge authorities to ensure maintenance, improve connectivity to residential districts, and integrate feeder bus services.
“Government has done well,” said Etim. “But this should not end here. Expansion to Nyanya, Lugbe, and Kuje will make a big difference. We can’t all drive to town every day.”