Infrastructure: Wike commissions integrated solar project to light up, curb insecurity in Abuja

*Barr. Nyesom Wike, Minister for the Federal Capital Territory, inaugurates the Integrated (Hybrid) Solar Lighting project, designed to illuminate Abuja, curb insecurity, and reduce the financial burden of streetlight maintenance

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Barr. Nyesom Wike, Honourable Minister for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has inaugurated a solar lighting project, designed to illuminate Abuja, curb insecurity, and reduce the financial burden of streetlight maintenance in the FCT.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony Thursday, in Abuja, 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, would help to reduce crime in the FCT.

A piece of the Light up Abuja Project

The Minister stated: “Lot 1 will take care of Maitama, Central Area, Wuse, Asokoro and Airport Expressway while Lot 2 comprises Katampe, Katampe Extension, Jabi, Garki, Gudu, Mabushi.

“The Light up Abuja Project includes supply and installation (retrofitting) of integrated Hybrid Solar Street lighting fittings of 300W Solar Powered lights luminous flux ranging from 7,500lm to 17,500lm ongoing Streets and Expressways with necessary accessories.”

He also explained: “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.”

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He equally disclosed the project would be completed within six months.

Describing the project as both important and challenging, the Minister noted that past efforts at keeping Abuja lit were constantly sabotaged through cable theft, vandalism of poles, and inflated maintenance costs.

He recalled: “When we assumed office in August 2023, about 80 percent of the city was in darkness.

“This worsened insecurity and created embarrassment for the nation’s capital.”

Wike explained that during a visit to Beijing in 2024 with President Bola Tinubu, the FCTA signed agreements with two companies, CGC and CCECC.

The transaction was to provide solar-powered streetlights fitted with surveillance features to prevent theft and vandalism in Abuja, he said.

According to the Minister, the firms would also maintain the installations for four to five years, eliminating the recurrent expenditure on streetlight maintenance.

Emphasising that leadership is about taking tough decisions for the greater good.

Wike asserted: “Abuja cannot remain in darkness if we want to compete globally and even host events like the Commonwealth Games.”

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He, therefore, assured Nigerians that within the next seven months, Abuja would wear a new look, especially as the city prepares to mark its 50th Anniversary February 2026.

The Minister added: “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.”

Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, Honourable Minister of State for the FCT, described the project as a landmark initiative that goes beyond lighting.

The Minister of State said: “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 commended Wike for his unwavering leadership and vision, describing these as driving impactful infrastructural development across the territory.

The project, the Minister stated, would create jobs for youths, reduce insecurity, and reposition Abuja as a modern, world-class city.

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