By Eunice Orike
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Nyesom Wike, has flagged up a major streetlight rehabilitation project aimed at ending years of darkness, insecurity, and alleged sabotage of government efforts in the federal capital territory, FCT.
Speaking at the project flag-off on Thursday in Abuja, Wike said his administration inherited a city where almost 80% of Abuja was in darkness, when he assumed office in August 2023, a situation that he linked to rising insecurity and persistent vandalism of public infrastructure.
“So it has been a sense of concern for me and my team. But we felt that we must take up the challenge. When we came on board in August 2023, one thing anybody who visits Abuja or who resides in Abuja will identify is that totally almost 80% of the entire city is in darkness”.
“Secondly, there was this issue of insecurity when we came on board. So we are trying to see how we tackle this issue. If we continue to leave Abuja in darkness, obviously insecurity will increase. So we decided to do what we can and what was available”.
“This project has given us a lot of headache, not in the conceptualization, but in how it will work in a country where people are always sabotaging government efforts,” the minister said.
To address the problem, Wike revealed that during a 2024 official visit to Beijing with President Bola Tinubu, the FCT Administration signed agreements with two Chinese firms CGC and CCECC, to deliver new street lighting systems across the city, complete with surveillance features to deter vandalism.
“The attraction for me was the security features. If anyone tries to steal cables or vandalize poles, they can be identified. This is why I am confident this time will be different,” he explained.
To tackle vandalism and sabotage, the minister revealed that the new streetlights will come equipped with surveillance features, enabling authorities to identify and apprehend anyone attempting to damage or steal the lights.
Sabotage will come from the criminals. Criminals will not believe that it will be difficult for them to go and steal cables, it will be difficult for them to vandalize the poles because now there will be security features. They will know it will no longer be easy, and It will no longer be business as usual. So they will have their own style of campaign”, he said.
He assured that the FCT Administration will work closely with security agencies to protect the project and bring perpetrators to justice.
He assured residents that the new streetlighting initiative will not only beautify Abuja ahead of its 50th anniversary in February 2026 but also improve security and job creation for youths.
“With light everywhere, criminals will no longer thrive. Abuja will no longer be in darkness. By the grace of God, in the next seven months, this city will look different,” he said.
Wike urged the National Assembly to continue supporting FCT projects with adequate funding, adding that Abuja’s aspiration to host major global events like the Commonwealth Games depends on its ability to provide basic infrastructure such as functional streetlights.
On her part, FCT Minister of State, Mariya Mahmoud said the project is not just about lighting up Abuja streets; it is about safety, security, sustainability, and service to the residents.
“This project will also improve security and safety for residents and businesses.
“It will promote a clean and renewable energy, thereby reducing the city’s carbon footprint.
“More importantly, it will support the Administration’s Smart City Agenda, making Abuja a model for sustainable urban living”, she added.
