By Muhammad Mamman
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Wednesday began the rollout of integrated hybrid solar-powered streetlights across Abuja, a flagship project aimed at curbing insecurity, eliminating blackout-prone streets, and slashing maintenance costs.
Flagging off the initiative, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike said the project became necessary following years of huge financial losses to vandalism, cable theft and politically-driven contracts that left more than 80 per cent of the city in darkness.
He disclosed that agreements were signed in Beijing in 2024 with two Chinese firms – CGC and CCECC – to deliver the project, which comes with built-in security features designed to deter sabotage and vandalism.
“When we assumed office, Abuja was almost 80 per cent in darkness, fuelling insecurity. Every week files came in for streetlight maintenance, yet there was no light. It became a nightmare,” Wike said.
He stressed that the new system would be different, with contractors responsible for maintenance for four to five years and surveillance technology to track vandals. “No more excuses about darkness in Abuja,” he declared.
Wike also noted that the project would not only improve security but enhance the city’s aesthetics ahead of Abuja’s 50th anniversary in February 2026. He warned those benefitting from previous faulty contracts to expect resistance, insisting the Administration was determined to deliver uninterrupted street lighting regardless of political pushback.
Minister of State for FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, said the initiative goes beyond street illumination, describing it as vital for safety, security, sustainability and service to residents. She added that it supports the Smart City Agenda by promoting renewable energy, reducing carbon emissions and boosting business activity.
The solar streetlight project, scheduled for completion in seven months, is one of the centrepieces of the FCTA’s infrastructure renewal plan.
