The contractor handling the Abuja Rail Mass Transit is expected to complete work on the project by October, 2017, Muhammad Bello, FCT Minister disclosed on Sunday.
Bello who gave the assurance during an interactive session with delegation of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) led by its President, Tomilola Akingbogun, disclosed that the Administration will commence the test run of the Rail Mass Transit by the middle of November 2017.
He expressed optimism tht the administration will temporarily open the rail services for the Lots 1A and 3 to the general public for usage by December 2017 while the full operation of the Abuja Rail Mass Transit would commence by the first quarter of 2018 as earlier announced.
While responding to the issue of multiple taxations in the Federal Capital Territory, the Minister reiterated that a committee is already working to address all agitations raised by various stakeholders especially members of the organised private sector (OPS).
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 issues of multiple taxations must be tackled to encourage them.
The Minister emphasized 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.”
Bello urged the 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.
Speaking earlier, Tomilola Akingbogun, FTAN President who noted that the association which represents all tourism trades, businesses and associations in Nigeria, solicited for government’s intervention.
The President called on governments at all levels to encourage Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) options in developing tourism in Nigeria.
He lamented on the problems of multiple taxations between the FCT Administration and the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) and appealed on the need to harmonize all rates, tariffs and levies introduced.
