The rhythmic hum of the Abuja Metro Line has become the heartbeat of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), connecting the vibrant city centre to its bustling suburbs. As the train glides smoothly across the tracks, it carries with it stories of joy, convenience and discovery. Assistant Editor JIDE BABALOLA writes on delightful experiences of travellers who recently embarked on this urban adventure.
For Ahmed Bello, a young professional, commuting from Lugbe to his office in the bustling Central Business District, the metro line has transformed his daily routine. “Before the metro, I spent hours in traffic every day, but now my commute is a breeze. The view of the city waking up in the morning through the train window is simply breath-taking,” he shares, smiling as he recalls his first ride.
The Ayodeji family, with their two young children, decided to explore the metro line as part of their weekend outing. “The kids were thrilled to ride the train,” says Mrs. Ayodeji. “It was their first time, and they couldn’t stop talking about the experience. The convenience of hopping on the metro and reaching our destination without the hassle of driving made our family day out even more enjoyable.”
Then there’s Grace Okonkwo, a university student, who frequently travels from Kubwa to the city centre for her studies. “The metro line has been a game-changer for me. It’s safe, reliable and allows me to use my travel time productively,” she explains. “I can study, listen to music, or just relax before a busy day of classes.”
These personal stories highlight the transformative impact of the Abuja Metro Line, making it more than just a means of transportation but a cherished part of daily life for many. Whether it’s simplifying commutes, creating memorable family experiences, or providing a peaceful space for students, the metro line is a testament to the progress and connectivity shaping Abuja’s future.
The 40-minute train ride from Abuja’s Metro Station in the bustling Central Area to Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport offers a refreshing perspective on Nigeria, even for the most sceptical. Happy families enjoying a free excursion, giggling teenagers, and the idyllic landscapes on either side of the tracks reveal the often unseen and underappreciated beauty of the Federal Capital Territory. For those returning from the airport, the cleanliness, smooth ride and clear security measures enhance the pleasure of re-entering the capital city.
The growing number of cars rolling into Abuja from various satellite towns every morning has been a concern for years. Urban planners, transportation specialists and many others have wondered why Nigeria has been slow to embrace the integrated advantages of intermodal transportation. In Nigeria, the transportation system is predominantly uni-modal, with over ninety per cent of goods and passengers transported by road. Rail lines, shipping corridors, and the prohibitive costs of air transport have made road travel the dominant choice.
Intermodal passenger transport, as explained by Wikipedia, “involves using two or more modes of transportation in a journey. Mixed-mode commuting is often used to combine the strengths (and offset the weaknesses) of various transportation options. A major goal of modern intermodal passenger transport is to reduce dependence on the automobile as the major mode of ground transportation and increase the use of public transport.” The history of Nigeria’s train transport system and the Nigerian Railway Corporation dates back to 1898, when the first railroad was constructed by the British colonial government. However, the lack of political will by the nation’s leaders has significantly stunted the growth of Nigeria’s railway system, reinforcing the population’s reliance on road transportation.
On November 30, 2006, while launching Nigeria’s ambitious $8.3 billion rail project, then-President Olusegun Obasanjo underscored the government’s commitment to expanding intermodal and multimodal transport services, aiming to leverage the strengths of each system. Yet, for years, this grand vision made only modest progress. The Abuja Rail Mass Transit (ARMT), also known as the Metro Line, was developed in six phases and funded by loans from the China EXIM Bank. The Obasanjo administration awarded the contract in 2007, and former President Muhammadu Buhari commissioned it on July 12, 2018. Although trial operations were set to commence from September 2018 to March 2020, the project stalled soon after Buhari’s commissioning due to vandalism, low public patronage, and other challenges.
Making a difference
President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima’s administration has pledged a transformative policy thrust known as the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda,’ aimed at repositioning Nigeria as a prime global investment destination and positively impacting citizens’ lives. As part of these efforts, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, inaugurated the ARMT system during the celebrations marking President Tinubu’s first year in office.
Wike described the inauguration as a practical demonstration of the government’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda.’ Despite the Metro Line Rehabilitation contract being awarded at $30 million in 2018, funds were not released until President Tinubu took office. In September 2023, Tinubu directed the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Ministry of Finance, and the Accountant-General of the Federation to facilitate action by the contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Limited, towards completing the project.
As a result, twelve train stations with car parks were constructed at a cost of N21.4 billion. Additionally, Wike renegotiated the $128 million earmarked for manpower training by the previous administration down to $75 million, saving taxpayers $53 million. The ARMT system now boasts 12 diesel multiple units, each capable of transporting approximately 700 passengers. Designed for a minimum of 14 trips per day, the system can transport around 9,800 passengers daily. This development marks a significant step forward in Nigeria’s journey towards an integrated and efficient transportation network, fulfilling a long-awaited dream.
On Wednesday, May 29, President Tinubu inaugurated the re-launch of the Abuja Rail Mass Transit (ARMT) commercial operations with a heartening announcement. Originally promised a two-month period of free rides by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, commuters will now enjoy complimentary train rides for six months. “Our dear Landlord, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, I have heard you say that there will be free train rides for two months. I want to appeal to you to make it until the end of the year. Let us give the people reasons to celebrate,” President Tinubu declared, drawing enthusiastic applause.
Shortly before boarding the train for a ride from the metro station to the airport, President Tinubu described the operations on the Abuja Metro Line as a symbolic milestone of enduring progress for the country and the Federal Capital Territory. “As we gather to commemorate the first anniversary of my administration, we are also celebrating the fruits of collaboration, dedication, progress, and foresightedness,” he stated. This extension of free rides until the end of the year underscores the administration’s commitment to improving the quality of life for Nigerians and enhancing the transportation infrastructure. It provides not only a practical benefit but also a reason for citizens to feel hopeful and proud of the advancements in their nation.
Joyful rides
Interest in the FCT’s train service is gradually increasing. Falmata David and Yakubu Mohammed, two young reporters from a popular online news medium, were on the train to capture passengers’ impressions. For families and society, the sheer delight that lights up the faces of children and young ones is significant. A recent train ride highlighted that students and other young people appear to be particularly engaged and excited about the experience, echoing the joyful sentiments expressed by President Tinubu.
The late English writer Agatha Christie once said, “Trains are wonderful… To travel by train is to see nature and human beings, towns and places of worship and rivers, in fact, to see life.” For those on this 40-minute train ride, it was indeed a delightful experience, even though train transportation is not yet as popular in Nigeria as it could be. Waiting for the 3:30 PM ride from Abuja Metro station to the airport provided an opportunity to interact with two very courteous FCT staff members – Dunke Yusuf and Samuel Oriade. Both declined formal interviews but were polite and informative. Currently, the train service offers four trips out of town and an equal number of trips into the city, with people traveling to or from Kubwa using the Idu train station as a junction to change trains on their journey. Plans are underway for more coaches and additional daily trips.
When it was time for departure, men and women lined up in separate queues. The young security personnel explained the necessity of their screening and checks for everyone’s safety. Downstairs, passengers boarded the newly-commissioned coaches, which were clean, well-lit, and well-ventilated. Each of the four coaches has a seating capacity for twenty-four passengers, with provisions for standing passengers. Among the happy crowd in the fourth coach were the Ayodeji Kosamot family. Surrounded by three children and other family members, Ayodeji explained that they came for the fun of the ride, which the children found delightful as part of their mid-term school break. When asked if he had ever been on a train before, one of the children gleefully responded that he was on one at that moment. The family planned to disembark at Idu station and connect another segment of the free train ride to Kubwa.
As the train rolled along from Idu, passengers appreciated the expansive stretch of peaceful, idyllic landscape, with a brief pause at Bassanjiwa station. After sixteen years in Abuja, some were hearing the name for the first time. The train continued its journey towards the airport, moving along tracks that split the village in two, revealing mud houses and temporary ‘bachas’ or ghetto structures. Despite this, new mini shops and economic activities indicated an infusion of better living conditions. Clearly, the people in this rural part of the FCT are industrious.
Shortly after Bassanjiwa station, the metro train reached Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport station. It took only two minutes after passing through the validator machines for the lively boys from Kubwa suburbs to shout excitedly at the sight of an airplane on the tarmac in the distance. For many, it was their first time seeing an airplane up close, a memorable experience for these potential frequent travelers of the future. The connecting glass doors to the airport grounds were locked, but there was an entrance door for travelers to exit or enter from the airport.
As the train pulled into the final station, a sense of unity and hope filled the air, echoing the words of Nelson Mandela: “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” The revitalised Abuja Rail Mass Transit system stands as a testament to this spirit, bringing together families, students, and daily commuters in a shared journey that not only connects destinations but also hearts. Amidst the laughter of children and the awe of first-time riders, it’s clear that this train is more than just a mode of transport; it’s a moving symbol of Nigeria’s unwavering progress and the boundless possibilities that lie ahead.
