FCT’s dreams, reality of smooth public transport

Abuja is a deliberate and dedicated project, inspired and conceived by the creation and development of Brasilia (capital of Brazil), to accommodate the relocation of the Federal Capital from Lagos. The purpose was to decongest Lagos, while retaining it as the commercial capital of Nigeria; achieve centrality in the location of the nation’s capital and […]

Abuja is a deliberate and dedicated project, inspired and conceived by the creation and development of Brasilia (capital of Brazil), to accommodate the relocation of the Federal Capital from Lagos. The purpose was to decongest Lagos, while retaining it as the commercial capital of Nigeria; achieve centrality in the location of the nation’s capital and accelerate the development of the hinterland.
The design of Abuja was therefore lifted from the drawing board and planted on the ground. The Master Plan was designed and phased for development into municipal districts to cater for population growth and investments. The infrastructure and facilities were designed initially for 250,000 inhabitants in the first phase; but over the years, this design has been far outstripped by an unprecedented demographic influx estimated at between five and seven million; thus making Abuja metropolis the fastest growing city in the world. Consequently, the existing infrastructure and facilities are grossly inadequate for its teeming population.
This has engendered the sprouting of suburbs and slum towns, which have put pressure on existing infrastructure. This development has also resulted in the distortion of the Territory’s Master Plan, which needed to be rectified. Besides, there is a great need to expand existing infrastructure to accommodate the growth and development of the Territory while maintaining the integrity of the Abuja Master Plan. Obviously, previous administrators of the FCT had experienced this challenge and taken steps to address it. In like spirit, Senator Bala Mohammed, upon assumption of office as Minister of FCT, embarked on an enthusiastic campaign to address the issue of infrastructural development and maintenance as set out in the succeeding paragraphs.
As a foremost African country, Nigeria is a nexus of political power, industry and business. Over the years, especially since the relocation of the country’s capital from Lagos, Abuja has gradually become the centrepiece of actions, events and people. As one politician once described it: ‘Abuja is the place to be’. Even local musicians eulogize Abuja as a haven of sustenance. National political rallies take place in Abuja; cultural festivities are hosted in Abuja; students and women’s solidarity marches, civil rights agitations, etc. are carried out in Abuja. There is therefore no gainsaying that Abuja needs effective transportation infrastructure to accommodate these dappled demands and challenges on its unique status, disposition and relevance.
 The Light Rail project estimated to cover 60.67-kilometer track began in 2006 and will include terminals, flyovers, interchanges, bridges and underpasses. The review of the scope of the project came on the heels of a partnership between the FCTA and China EXIM Bank that provided a loan of US$500 million for the rail project. It has an enormous potential for creating jobs (direct and indirect, skilled and unskilled) and ancillary services at every stage of implementation. All of that, including impeccable public transport, is a dream fast on the way of becoming a reality.
Ibrahim writes from Garki in the FCT ([email protected])