Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has flagged off the installation of integrated solar street lights across Abuja, declaring a firm end to the era of vandalism, sabotage, and bureaucratic corruption that have left the capital city in darkness.
The flag-off ceremony for Lots I and II of the project, awarded to Chinese firms CGC and CCECC, marked a significant step in the administration’s efforts to tackle insecurity and modernise the city’s infrastructure.
Wike expressed his frustration at the persistent darkness in the FCT as a result of non-functional street lights, which he said has caused him a headache and nightmare since assuming office in August 2023.
“When we came on board in August 2023, one thing anybody who visits or resides in Abuja will identify is that almost 80 per cent of the entire city is in darkness,” Wike said.
He directly linked the pervasive darkness to the rise in insecurity, noting that criminals always thrive when there is darkness.
The minister expressed his frustration with the previous system, which relied on ‘political contractors’ who provided no results despite constant payments.
“Every time you will hear sabotage, cables have been removed, poles have been vandalised. Sometimes you will be running to the airport to receive Mr. President, everywhere is dark.
“And of course, as somebody whose responsibility it is to solve these problems, it became for us a nightmare; we started having minor migraines,” he said.
Wike revealed that the solution was sought during a trip to Beijing with President Bola Tinubu in 2024, where agreements were signed with CGC and CCECC. A key feature that attracted him to the new deal was the integrated surveillance system.
“One thing that attracted me was the fact that they are going to put surveillance features so that if you go and try to vandalise it or try to steal it, they will be able to identify it. And so that issue, I was happy that that area had been solved,” he said.
He also highlighted that the companies would maintain the infrastructure for four to five years, freeing the FCT Administration from endless maintenance files and costs.
“I will not see a file for maintenance anymore. Everything has been built in,” he said.
Wike braced the public for a wave of criticism, which he expected from three main quarters: displaced contractors, criminals, and corrupt civil servants. He predicted that the ousted contractors would lobby political leaders, complaining.
“They will say, ‘why would he do these things now when we are going towards the election period? He knows that people will be angry.’
“I have always say, people must be angry. People will only be angry when things are not done right. When things are done right, people will be happy,” he said.
He also anticipated attacks based on ethnicity and religion aimed at tarnishing the project, saying, “If you like, call CNN. We have made a decision. Fabricate as much as you can, but this work must be done.”
Assuring residents of the project’s completion, the Minister promised a transformed city within seven months, coinciding with Abuja’s 50th anniversary next February.
“Anybody coming to Abuja, not only will you see good roads, you will see the city being lit up. When you are flying, instead of you to see light, you see what? Darkness. It will no longer be the same by the grace of God,” he said.
He also emphasised the project’s benefits for job creation and security, urging the National Assembly to continue its support.
The minister stated that the project was a necessary step to restore the dignity of the nation’s capital and ensure it was no longer a city shrouded in darkness.
