₦airaland Forum

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, today, flagged off Lot 1 and 2 of the transformative 'Light Up Abuja' project, which involves the provision of integrated (hybrid) solar lighting across Abuja's districts and expressways.

FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, speaking during the flag-off ceremony in Abuja, said the project was designed to provide uninterrupted light across the various districts and expressways, and it is an essential step towards improving security and the city’s aesthetic appeal.

The FCT Minister emphasized the importance of a well-lit Abuja, which he said was crucial for national pride and development, especially as the city approaches its 50th anniversary in February next year. He expressed the belief that

He said; "the Light Up Abuja project will dramatically transform the city within the next seven months and improve security.

"In the next seven months, it will be a different thing. Anybody coming to Abuja, not only will you see good roads, you will see the entire place being lit up.

"The hybrid solar system comes with surveillance features, said it will enable the immediate identification of anyone attempting to vandalize or steal the facilities.

"Criminals will run away because when there is light everywhere, by the time they come to steal our facilities, at least you know that people will see you.

"Upon assumption of office, he met a situation where nearly 80 percent of the FCT was plunged into darkness at night, directly contributing to a rise in insecurity.

"Previous maintenance contracts were often awarded to political contractors, resulting in payments for maintenance without visible results.

"To solve the recurring problems of darkness and infrastructure sabotage, the FCT Administration took a decisive action during an investment-driven trip with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Beijing in 2024, where key agreements were signed with two reputable international firms - Chinese Geo-Engineering Corporation (CGC) and Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) to provide water to the satellite towns, which is currently ongoing, and to light up Abuja.

"The contracts stipulate that the companies were responsible for the full maintenance of the streetlights for four to five years, thereby eliminating the previous costly and ineffective system of perpetual maintenance.

"The FCT Administration expects attacks from three main groups - the previous contractors who will now lose their lucrative maintenance contracts, criminal saboteurs who thrived in darkness to steal cables, and FCTA officials involved in generating maintenance files.

"I am undeterred by any sentiments or political campaigns. We have made a decision. This work must be done, and I will do it with the support of Mr. President, and that is what is key."

Criminals will run away because when there is light everywhere

samwash:
When will this my country get stable and uninterrupted electricity supply in very part of the country .
This solar suppose be back up power to electricity supplies, especially in remote express high way.
We'll get there someday.

Proudlyngwa:
the world has evolved beyond solar street lights being backup

samwash:
Are we getting there very soon?
In what speed are our development strive running?

Hezzyluv:
Very controversial man. But, he's arguably the best FCT minister.

mercysamuelson:
Workaholic. He is actually trying his best. At least, he is better than some other ones.

mercysamuelson:
Workaholic. He is actually trying his best. At least, he is better than some other ones.