Abuja Rail Mass Transit commonly known as Abuja Light Rail is an abandoned regional rail transport system in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. It was the first rapid transit system in the country, West Africa, and the second such system in sub-saharan Africa (after Addis Ababa Light Rail). The first phase of the project connects the city center to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, stopping at the Abuja-Kaduna Railway station in Idu. The Abuja Metro Line was launched on 12 July 2018[1][2] and a three-trains-per-day service opened for passengers the following week.[3] Passenger services on the line were suspended in early 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and had still not resumed as of September 2023[update].[4]
History
A regional rail system serving Abuja had begun planning in 1997 but was delayed due to funding issues. CCECC Nigeria was awarded a contract for the construction of the first two phases, known as Lots 1 and 3, in May 2007.[5]
The 42.5 km (26.4 mi) first phase has two lines and 12 stations opened in July 2018, connecting Abuja city centre with the international airport via the Lagos–Kano Standard Gauge Railway at Idu. The projected cost of the entire proposed 290 km (180 mi) network, to be developed in six phases, was US$824 million, constructed by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, with 60% of the cost funded by loans from the Exim Bank of China.[6] In fact, $840 million was spent on Lot 1 and 3, while $500 million was financed by a 2.5% p.a. loan from an Exim Bank of China. Repayment of the loan commenced in March 2020.[7]
In early 2020, passenger service on the line was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and as of 2022[update] had not resumed.[8]
Idu Station Terminal outsideIdu Station routeIdu Station platform
Upon opening in 2018, only the section between Abuja Metro Station and the Airport was operational, with an intermediate station at Idu. The remaining nine stations were originally scheduled to begin operations in 2020.
The rolling stock used for this line initially consisted of only three diesel rail coaches. A further three were scheduled to be delivered in mid-2020.[10]
From the opening, the rail line operated on a significantly reduced timetable in comparison to other worldwide light rail systems; with three daily departures from Idu to Abuja Metro Station, with two running the full length to the airport, on weekdays only.[11] The delivery of further rolling stock was anticipated to provide services every thirty minutes.
Network
The first part of the network was commissioned on July 12, 2018, and three stations opened in this first phase.[12]
