By Chidimma Okwara,
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, officially flagged off the Light Up Abuja Project: Lots I & II, which involves the provision and installation of Integrated (Hybrid) Solar Lighting across major districts and expressways in Abuja.
Here are the key details of the project:
Goal: To illuminate Abuja, curb insecurity, reduce the financial burden of traditional streetlight maintenance, and enhance the city’s aesthetics as it approaches its 50th anniversary in February 2026.
Technology: The project involves the supply and installation (and retrofitting of existing infrastructure) of 300W solar-powered hybrid streetlights with luminous flux ranging from 7,500lm to 17,500lm.
Anti-Vandalism Feature: The new streetlights will be fitted with a Surveillance Module linked to a centralized Control Room to monitor and deter theft and vandalism, a problem that had plagued previous lighting efforts.
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Scope (Lots I & II):
Lot I covers Maitama, Central Area, Wuse, Asokoro, and the Airport Expressway.
Lot II covers Katampe, Katampe Extension, Jabi, Garki, Gudu, and Mabushi.
Contractors and Maintenance: The FCTA signed agreements with Chinese firms, CGC and CCECC, who will also be responsible for the maintenance and security of the installations for a period of four to five years, eliminating recurrent government expenditure on maintenance.
Timeline: The project is expected to be completed within six months.
Wike noted that upon assuming office, approximately 80% of the FCT was in darkness, which contributed to the rise in insecurity. He emphasized that the solar light project is a major step towards making Abuja a safer, modern, world-class city.
Abuja would wear a new look, especially as the city prepares to mark its 50th anniversary in February 2026, he said,- “Anybody flying into Abuja will now see a city beautifully lit, not darkness. Criminals thrive in the dark, but with light everywhere, safety will be greatly enhanced,” he said.
The FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, described the project as a landmark initiative that goes beyond lighting.
“This project is about safety, security, sustainability, and service to residents.
“It promotes clean and renewable energy, reduces Abuja’s carbon footprint, and supports the Smart City Agenda, making the capital a model of sustainable urban living,” she said.
She commended Wike for his unwavering leadership and vision, which she said continues to drive impactful infrastructural development across the territory.
She said that the project would create jobs for youths, reduce insecurity, and reposition Abuja as a modern, world-class city.
