The China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) has revealed that it generated 10,000 jobs during the construction of the Abuja Rail Mass Transit project (Phase 1), valued at $823 million. The project, which covers 45 kilometers and includes 12 stations, connects Abuja airport, Aka Line of National Railway, and more, offering an exciting and efficient ride with a maximum speed of 100km/h.
CCECC expressed excitement about its role in alleviating local suffering and noted that the project trained over 3,000 professionals for the local community. The Abuja Light Rail project is the first urban rail transit line in Nigeria’s capital and a significant Belt and Road Initiative project in Africa. The initiative aims to facilitate socio-economic development and expand China’s commercial base globally.
President Bola Tinubu recently announced the extension of free rides on the Abuja Light Rail until the end of the year, highlighting the completion of the project within nine months. The project faced delays due to the lack of essential access roads, which were later constructed at a cost of N21.4 billion. The metro line, with 12 trains capable of carrying 700 passengers each, is expected to transport 980,000 passengers monthly within the Federal Capital Territory.