The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has pledged to revamp the currently inactive Abuja Urban Mass Transportation Company (AUMTC), despite facing financial challenges within the Administration,leadership reports.
During a meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on Mass Transit, where they discussed strategies for revitalizing the once thriving Abuja Urban Mass Transit company, Wike expressed his commitment. He emphasized the embarrassment of a capital city like Abuja lacking a world-class mass transportation system.
Wike criticized the practice of renting out buses to churches and other event organizers by the management of the transportation company. He attributed the company’s deteriorating condition to the neglectful behavior of its leadership, who allowed government assets to deteriorate because they did not consider them their own.
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The Minister also assured residents of the FCT that he would address the issue of “one chance” criminal activities within the territory. He believed that with a functional transportation system in place, such criminal operations would diminish.
Wike revealed that President Bola Tinubu had approved N2 billion for palliative measures in the FCT under the federal government’s subsidy program, with a specific focus on transportation. However, he sought information on the current status of these funds.
He expressed his concern that AUMTCO buses were being lent out for other purposes without proper maintenance, emphasizing that individuals should take ownership of government responsibilities within their purview.
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Mass Transit, Afam Oghene, pledged the committee’s full support to the FCT Minister in his efforts to revitalize the transportation system in the territory and ensure the full operation of the Abuja Metro Line, aligning with the Minister’s determination.
