Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), has flagged off lots 1 and 2 of the transformative ‘Light up Abuja’ project, which involves the provision of integrated (hybrid) solar lighting across the nation’s districts and expressways.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony on Thursday, Wike said the project is an essential step towards improving security and the city’s aesthetic appeal.
The minister said a well-lit Abuja is crucial for national pride and development, especially as the city approaches its 50th anniversary in February next year.
“The Light up Abuja project will dramatically transform the city within the next seven months and improve security,” he said.
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“In the next seven months, it will be a different thing. Anybody coming to Abuja, not only will you see good roads, but you will also see the entire place being lit up.
“The hybrid solar system comes with surveillance features that will enable the immediate identification of anyone attempting to vandalise or steal the facilities.
“Criminals will run away because when there is light everywhere, by the time they come to steal our facilities, at least you know that people will see you.”
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Wike said upon assumption of office, he met a situation where nearly 80 percent of the FCT was plunged into darkness at night, directly contributing to a rise in insecurity.
He said previous maintenance contracts were often awarded to political contractors, resulting in payments for work without visible results.
“To solve the recurring problems of darkness and infrastructure sabotage, the FCT administration took a decisive action during an investment-driven trip with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Beijing in 2024, where key agreements were signed with two reputable international firms – Chinese Geo-Engineering Corporation (CGC) and Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) – to provide water to the satellite towns, which is currently ongoing, and to light up Abuja,” he said.
“The contracts stipulate that the companies were responsible for the full maintenance of the streetlights for four to five years, thereby eliminating the previous costly and ineffective system of perpetual maintenance.
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“The FCT administration expects attacks from three main groups – the previous contractors who will now lose their lucrative maintenance contracts, criminal saboteurs who thrived in darkness to steal cables, and FCTA officials involved in generating maintenance files.
“I am undeterred by any sentiments or political campaigns. We have made a decision. This work must be done, and I will do it with the support of Mr President, and that is what is key.”
