The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has unveiled the installation of integrated solar-powered streetlights across Abuja under the Light Up Abuja project — a flagship initiative aimed at improving security, aesthetics, and night-time visibility in the capital city.
The unveiling, held on Thursday, follows the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Chinese firms CCECC and CGC in September 2024, during President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Beijing for the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit.
According to Wike, the project is strategically designed to be completed by February 2026, in time for the 50th anniversary of the creation of the FCT. “Our vision is to make Abuja shine like other global cities,” he said.
The minister acknowledged persistent challenges with previous lighting projects, especially cases of sabotage and vandalism that left much of the city in darkness.
On assumption of office in August 2023, Wike said 80 percent of Abuja’s streetlights were non-functional, exposing residents to insecurity.
To address this, he explained that the new solar-powered lights will be equipped with anti-vandalism and surveillance features, while the contractors will also take responsibility for maintenance and security for the next four to five years under the MoU.
“With this innovation, we believe incidents of vandalism will reduce significantly, and our city will be safer for residents,” Wike said.
He also noted that attempts may be made by those who profited from the decay of past infrastructure to discredit the project. “Some people will begin campaigns against me and this administration, but we will not be deterred,” the minister declared.
The project is expected to mark a turning point in Abuja’s infrastructure renewal, positioning the capital to meet global standards in safety and urban development.
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