Wike Defies Sabotage, Vows Successful Execution of Light Up Abuja Project
As Abuja counts down to its 50th anniversary, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has unveiled the Light Up Abuja Project—a flagship initiative he described as a bold step to restore the capital’s status as one of the world’s leading cities.
Speaking at the launch of the Integrated Hybrid Solar Street Lighting Project on Thursday, Wike said the scheme is designed not only to modernize Abuja’s infrastructure but also to tackle insecurity, curb corruption in streetlight maintenance, and instill pride in the nation’s capital.
According to him, the project—scheduled for completion in six months—will deploy cutting-edge 300W solar-powered hybrid lights with luminous strength between 7,500 and 17,500 lumens along major expressways and streets. It will also feature galvanized poles in new areas, the replacement of vandalised equipment, and surveillance modules connected to a central control system to prevent theft and sabotage.
The minister outlined coverage zones under two project lots: Lot 1 will serve Maitama, the Central Business District, Wuse, Asokoro, and the Airport Expressway; Lot 2 will extend to Katampe, Jabi, Garki, Gudu, and Mabushi. Contractors CGC and CCECC will execute and maintain the installations for up to five years, eliminating the burden of recurrent maintenance budgets.
Wike recalled the poor state of Abuja’s lighting system when he assumed office in August 2023, noting that “about 80 percent of the city was in darkness,” a situation he said worsened insecurity. He alleged that a network of “political contractors” and corrupt insiders had turned the dysfunction into a revenue stream through endless maintenance requests that yielded no results.
“To end the cycle, I had to secure new partnerships,” he said, pointing to agreements reached with Chinese firms CGC and CCECC during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to Beijing in 2024. “What convinced me was their plan to integrate surveillance. Anyone who tampers with this infrastructure will be caught.”
The minister warned that entrenched interests would resist the reform through propaganda and sabotage. “From today, expect all sorts of stories—ethnic, religious, political. Let them go on social media or CNN. The truth is this project will be delivered,” he declared.
He added that even within the FCTA, some staff might resist because “the usual files for maintenance money will stop flowing.” But he insisted the work must continue: “If they want to go on strike, let them. We cannot afford to keep Abuja in darkness.”
Wike stressed that beyond illumination, the project represents national pride, improved security, and new employment opportunities for young people. “How can a capital preparing to host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting remain in darkness? By February 2026, when Abuja turns 50, the city will have a new face—one that reflects its place as a modern capital,” he assured.
The minister also urged lawmakers to back the project financially. “If we ask for one naira, make it five. Because this time, every kobo will count,” he told the audience, which included Senator Aliyu Ndume.
