The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has vowed to put an end to sabotage and punish those stealing streetlights in the nation’s capital.
Wike said this on Thursday when he officially flagged off Lot 1 and 2 of the transformative ‘Light Up Abuja’ project, which involves the provision of integrated (hybrid) solar lighting across Abuja’s districts and expressways.
He disclosed that the project was designed to provide uninterrupted light across the various districts and expressways, adding that the initiative was an essential step towards improving security and the city’s aesthetic appeal.
The FCT Minister emphasised the importance of a well-lit Abuja, which he said was crucial for national pride and development, especially as the city approaches its 50th anniversary in February next year.
He expressed the belief that the Light Up Abuja project will dramatically transform the city within the next seven months and improve security.
According to him: “In the next seven months, it will be a different thing. Anybody coming to Abuja, not only will you see good roads, you will see the entire place being lit up”.
Wike, who also disclosed that the hybrid solar system comes with surveillance features, said it will enable the immediate identification of anyone attempting to vandalize or steal the facilities.
He said: “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”.
Recalling the challenges faced in tackling persistent darkness and sabotage in the FCT, the minister revealed that 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 also detailed the costly and ineffective cycle of maintenance, noting that previous maintenance contracts were often awarded to “political contractors,” resulting in payments for maintenance without visible results—a practice he described as a “nightmare”.
To solve the recurring problems of darkness and infrastructure sabotage, Wike said 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.
Furthermore, the Minister stated that 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.
Acknowledging the anticipated backlash from those who benefited from the old corrupt system, the Minister said 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 corrupt FCTA officials involved in generating maintenance files.
However, Wike said he is undeterred by any sentiments or political campaigns, emphasizing his commitment to the nation’s interest.
“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”, he asserted.
The Minister of State, FCT, Mariya Mahmoud, described the light up Abuja project as more than just poles and solar panels, but about bringing light where there was darkness, safety where there were fears, and hope where there were doubts, expressing optimism that the initiative will ensure that Abuja continues to shine at night.
Mahmoud extended profound appreciation to President Tinubu and the FCT Minister for their visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the provision of vital infrastructure in the FCT.
Providing an overview of the Light up Abuja project, the Acting Executive Secretary, FCDA, Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda stated that the contract was awarded in two lots to Messrs CCECC and CGC Nigeria Limited, adding that they were expected to complete the work within six months.
He said Lot 1 covers Maitama, Central Area, Wuse, and Asokoro districts, as well as the Airport Expressway, while Lot 2 covers Katampe, Katampe Extension, Jabi, Garki, Gudu, and Mabushi districts.
Dauda added that the scope of work includes supply and installation and Retro fitting of Integrated Hybrid Solar Street lighting, fittings of 300 watts solar powered lights with luminous blocks ranging from 7,500 lumens to 17,500 lumens along streets and expressways with other necessary accessories, installation of galvanized street light posts at locations where they need replacement or have been vandalized and installation of surveillance facilities for the street lights.
He added that the integrated hybrid solar street lighting system, when completed, will illuminate the city and help guard against theft and vandalism, and also provide other benefits like improved security of lives and properties, improved aesthetics and ambience in the streets at night, reduction of electricity bills, maintenance costs, and technical losses.
Managing Directors of CCECC and CGC Nigeria Ltd, Guan Shuai and Zhang Xiang, respectively, thanked President Tinubu and the FCT Minister for entrusting their companies with the key responsibility and pledged to deploy their best resources to deliver a world-class project that will make Abuja shine brighter and set a benchmark for sustainable urban development.
