The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, on Thursday flagged off the long-awaited Light Up Abuja project, aimed at providing integrated hybrid solar street lighting across the city’s districts and major expressways.
Speaking at the ceremony, Wike said the initiative was designed to guarantee uninterrupted street lighting, improve security, and enhance the capital’s aesthetics as it prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary in February 2026.
“In the next seven months, it will be a different thing. Anybody coming to Abuja will not only see good roads, but also a city that is fully lit,” the Minister assured.
Wike revealed that nearly 80 percent of Abuja was in darkness when he assumed office, a situation he said contributed to rising insecurity. He blamed the challenge on a cycle of corruption involving “political contractors” who collected huge sums for maintenance without delivering results.
The new project, he said, breaks from the old system. It was sealed during President Bola Tinubu’s investment mission to Beijing in 2024, with two Chinese firms – the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and China Geo-Engineering Corporation (C). Both firms are tasked not only with installation but also with maintaining the facilities for up to five years.
The Minister said the hybrid solar system will also feature surveillance technology to track and deter vandals and cable thieves. “Criminals will run away because when there is light everywhere, you cannot hide,” he noted.
Wike acknowledged that the project would face opposition from those who previously profited from inflated contracts and from saboteurs, but stressed that his administration was committed to seeing it through. “We have made a decision. This work must be done, and I will do it with the support of Mr. President,” he declared.
Earlier, the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, described the project as “more than just poles and panels,” but about restoring safety, hope, and pride in the capital city.
Providing details, Acting Executive Secretary of the FCDA, Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, said Lot 1 covers Maitama, Central Area, Wuse, Asokoro, and the Airport Expressway, while Lot 2 covers Katampe, Jabi, Garki, Gudu, and Mabushi districts. He explained that the project includes the installation of 300-watt hybrid solar-powered streetlights with surveillance cameras, replacement of vandalised poles, and fitting of luminous blocks ranging from 7,500 to 17,500 lumens.
Managing Directors of CCECC and CGC Nigeria Ltd, Guan Shuai and Zhang Xiang, pledged to deliver a world-class project that would make Abuja a benchmark for sustainable urban development.
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