THE first stage of the Abuja light rail network opened on July 12, the first light rail line in the Nigerian capital.

The 45.2km first phase has two lines and 12 stations with connections to the airport and the national rail network. The entire 290km system is being built in six stages by China Civil Engineering and Construction Corp at a cost of $US 824m, partly funded by loans from the Export-Import Bank of China, which is providing 60% of the funding.
“Our commitment to the vision for a modern, integrated rail system for Nigeria is total,” says Nigeria’s president Mr Muhammadu Buhari. “The 2nd phase of the Abuja light rail will connect more parts of the city, while our standard-gauge national railway is also taking shape, with the Lagos – Ibadan leg currently under construction. A modern rail service will greatly boost the Federal Capital Territory economy and enhance social life.”