Abuja(Nigeria): The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has inaugurated a solar lighting project designed to illuminate Abuja, curb insecurity, and reduce the financial burden of streetlight maintenance.
Wike said the installation of Integrated (Hybrid) Solar Lighting in the Districts of Abuja city and expressways under the Light up Abuja Project: Loys I and II, in Abuja, on Thursday, would help to reduce crime in the FCT.
“Lot 1 will take care of Maitama, Central Area, Wuse, Asokoro and Airport Expressway, while Lot 2 comprises Katampe, Katampe Extension, Jabi, Garki, Gudu, and Mabushi.
“The Light up Abuja Project includes supply and installation (retrofitting) of integrated Hybrid Solar Street lighting fittings of 300W Solar Powered lights with luminous flux ranging from 7,500lm to 17,500lm, ongoing on Streets and Expressways with necessary accessories.
“There will also be supply and installation of galvanised streetlight poles at new locations, and also replace vandalised and knocked down poles.
“The streetlights will have a Surveillance Module and there will be a Control Room, such that any attempt to vandalise them will be captured.”
Wike said that the project would be completed within six months.
He described the project as both essential and challenging, noting that past efforts to keep Abuja lit had been consistently sabotaged by cable theft, pole vandalism, and inflated maintenance costs.
“When we assumed office in August 2023, about 80 per cent of the city was in darkness.
“This worsened insecurity and created embarrassment for the nation’s capital,” he said.
Wike explained that during a visit to Beijing in 2024 with President Bola Tinubu, the FCTA signed agreements with two companies, CGC and CCECC.
This, he said, was to provide solar-powered streetlights fitted with surveillance features to prevent theft and vandalism.
The firms, he said, would also maintain the installations for four to five years, eliminating the recurrent expenditure on streetlight maintenance.
Wike acknowledged that the reform would affect entrenched interests, including political contractors and corrupt insiders, who had benefited from the old system.
He stated that the administration was prepared for the attacks, propaganda, and blackmail.
He said this was because leadership is about making tough decisions for the greater good.
“Abuja cannot remain in darkness if we want to compete globally and even host events like the Commonwealth Games,” he emphasised.
Wike assured residents that within the next seven months, Abuja would transform, especially as the city prepares to mark its 50th anniversary in February 2026.
“Anybody flying into Abuja will now see a city beautifully lit, not darkness. Criminals thrive in the dark, but with light everywhere, safety will be greatly enhanced,” he said.
On her part, the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, described the project as a landmark initiative that goes beyond lighting.
“This project is about safety, security, sustainability, and service to residents.
“It promotes clean and renewable energy, reduces Abuja’s carbon footprint, and supports the Smart City Agenda, making the capital a model of sustainable urban living,” she said.
She commended Wike for his unwavering leadership and vision, which she said continues to drive impactful infrastructural development across the territory.
She stated that the project would create jobs for young people, reduce insecurity, and reposition Abuja as a modern, world-class city.