The Abuja Light Rail will offer free rides for two months starting from Tuesday, May 28, 2024, following its commissioning on Monday, May 27, 2024.

This was announced by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, during the Ministerial Sectoral Update marking the first year in office of President Bola Tinubu.

Wike highlighted that the free rides are part of the President’s “renewed hope agenda” aimed at easing commuting for residents of the Federal Capital Territory. He mentioned that the President might even extend the free service to six months to further alleviate transportation costs for the people.

“For those who are saying that the rail system had already been commissioned, don’t make a mistake. What was earlier commissioned was the building. What we want to commission on Monday is commercial operations,” Wike clarified.

He encouraged residents to start using the Metro rail from Tuesday, noting, “If you are going to the airport, from here to the airport is 20 minutes. Seeing is believing. Go on Tuesday. We are going to allow free rides for two months. You know, Mr. President, he can even say extend it to six months just to reduce the pain of our people. That is the renewed hope agenda. When you say something, you do it.”