FCTA to commence Abuja Light rail Nov 2018 – Minister

The Minister of FCT, Malam Mohammed Bello, has said that the Abuja metro light rail project which commences operation in November 2018 would enhance tourism potentials in the country, just as the contractors handling the project have announced speedy completion and test run by October/November same year.

According to the administration, the contractor handling Abuja Rail Mass Transit is expected to complete work on the project by October and the FCT Administration will commence the test run by middle of 2018.

Bello made this disclosure while receiving a delegation of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) led by its President, Chief Tomilola Akingbogun, who paid him a visit in his office.

The Minister disclosed that by December 2018, the FCT Administration intends to temporarily open the rail services for the Lots 1A and 3 to the general public for usage.

On the problem of multiple taxation in the Federal Capital Territory, Malam Bello reiterated that a committee is already working to address it.

He said that the participation of private investors in the development and economic activities of the Federal Capital Territory is paramount for better results and therefore the knotty issue of multiple taxation must be tackled to encourage them.

The Minister emphasised that tourism must also be given its rightful place for private investors to take the front seat in order to stimulate economic activities in the territory.

His words: “Nigeria is truly endowed and the FCT Administration will surely leverage on such endowment to fast-track its economic development.”

Malam Bello urged players in the tourism and hospitality industry to make attempts for establishment of small hotels like ‘Bed & Breakfast’ in the Federal Capital Territory to cater for the numerous daily visitors into Abuja, particularly for those at the lower ladder.

Earlier in his remarks, President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria, Chief Tomilola Akingbogun, said the FTAN is the umbrella body representing all tourism trades, businesses and associations in Nigeria.

The FTAN president called on governments at all levels to encourage Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) options in developing tourism in Nigeria.

He lamented on the problem of multiple taxation between the FCT Administration and the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) and appealed on the need to harmonise all rates, tariffs and levies introduced.