Wike Commissions Solar Light Project, Assures Brighter, Safer Abuja

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Nyesom Wike, has commissioned a major solar lighting project designed to illuminate Abuja, curb insecurity, and reduce the financial burden of streetlight maintenance.

Speaking at the ceremony, Wike described the project as both important and challenging, noting that past efforts at keeping Abuja lit were constantly sabotaged through cable theft, vandalism of poles, and inflated maintenance costs.

“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,” he said. “Sometimes, you would drive to the airport to receive Mr. President and everywhere was in total darkness. It became a nightmare.”

Wike explained that during a visit to Beijing in 2024 with President Bola Tinubu, the FCTA signed agreements with two companies, CGC and CCECC to provide solar-powered streetlights fitted with surveillance features to prevent theft and vandalism.

The firms, he said, will also maintain the installations for four to five years, eliminating the recurrent expenditure on streetlight maintenance.

“This time around, there will be nothing like maintenance files clogging the system. The companies are responsible for keeping the lights on and securing them. Saboteurs, cable thieves, and blackmailers will no longer have it easy,” Wike said.

He acknowledged that the reform would affect entrenched interests, including political contractors and corrupt insiders, who had benefited from the old system.

“We are ready for the attacks, the propaganda, and the blackmail. Leadership is about taking 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 emphasized.

Wike assured residents that within the next seven months, Abuja would wear a new look, 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,” Mahmoud said. “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, which she said continues to drive impactful infrastructural development across the territory.

The project is expected to create jobs for youths, reduce insecurity, and reposition Abuja as a modern, world-class city.

Remi Johnson, Edited By Grace Namiji