Wike Flags Off “Light Up Abuja” Project To Provide Solar Lighting Across FCT

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Friday officially flagged off Lots 1 and 2 of the Light Up Abuja Project, an ambitious initiative to provide hybrid solar-powered street lighting across the districts and expressways of the nation’s capital.

Speaking at the ceremony in Abuja, Wike described the project as a decisive step towards enhancing security, boosting the city’s aesthetic appeal, and restoring national pride as Abuja prepares to mark its 50th anniversary in February 2026.

“In the next seven months, Abuja will be completely transformed,” the minister assured. “Visitors will not only see good roads, but a city brilliantly lit up at night.”

Wike explained that the new hybrid solar streetlights are equipped with surveillance features that will enable real-time monitoring and quick identification of vandals or thieves. “Criminals will run away when there is light everywhere,” he said.

The minister recalled that on assumption of office, he inherited a situation where nearly 80 percent of Abuja was in darkness, fueling insecurity and infrastructure sabotage. Previous streetlight maintenance contracts, he noted, were awarded largely to “political contractors,” who collected payments without delivering results.

To address the recurring problem, Wike disclosed that during an investment mission to Beijing in 2024 with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, agreements were reached with two reputable firms the China Geo-Engineering Corporation (CGC) and the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC). Under the contracts, both companies will handle installation and full maintenance of the new streetlights for four to five years, eliminating the costly and ineffective system of perpetual maintenance.

He warned that the project could face opposition from three groups displaced contractors, criminals who thrived in darkness, and corrupt officials who profited from inflated maintenance files. But he vowed to press ahead regardless.

“I am undeterred by sentiments or political campaigns. We have made our decision. With the support of Mr. President, this work must be done — and it will be done,” Wike declared.