FCTA inaugurates private sector mass transit scheme

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said security and job creation for the residents are priority areas on the list of his agenda in the territory. He made this known when the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, visited him in his office, in Abuja, yesterday.
  
According to Wike, the United Kingdom and Nigeria have a long relationship from the colonial period, adding that the relationship has been growing stronger.
  
The minister, who was responding to the request of the high commissioner on priority areas of the administration, said his interest centred on the priority of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, anchored on eight areas.

  
Wike explained that security in Abuja seemed different because of the adjoining states of Nasarawa, Niger, Kogi and Kaduna, from where bandits migrate to Abuja when the heat is on them.
  
The former Rivers State governor added that job creation is a priority. “If you go to the area councils today, there are a lot of jobs going. That has created way for the youths to be employed.”
  
Montgomery remarked that the visit was critical because of the important role the minister and his team play at the commission. He said the British High Commission was interested in understanding the areas of priority to help in the bilateral relationship.
  
Also yesterday, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) inaugurated a private sector transportation scheme, to provide secure and efficient mass transit around the city. 
  
The inauguration of the 14 high capacity and fully air-conditioned buses, according to the FCTA, is the beginning of a transportation system designed to end the menace of robbery through the one-chance syndicates in Abuja.
  
Inaugurating the buses, the Mandate Secretary, FCTA’s Secretariat of Transportation, Ubokutom Nyah, said that the minister had the vision of changing the narrative of the transportation system of Abuja.
  
Nyah revealed that many other private sector investors were expected to join in providing alternative sources of transportation that will be reliable and affordable.
  
One of the investors, Yakubu Terry, said: “We want to turn this mission into reality and we have devised strategic plans that focus on key city areas and environs. By connecting these areas, we are connecting the dots for progress and to create a web of convenience that shreds through the fabric of the capital city of Abuja. 
  
“Our strategy is not just in the number of buses on the road; it is also about creating a comprehensive and accessible network that serves the needs of our city residents. We prioritise and leverage technology to optimise operations with due given time and overall community experience.”