Introduction to the "Light Up Abuja" Project
Despite recent efforts by the Federal Capital Territory Administration to illuminate the city through an integrated hybrid solar-powered streetlight scheme, many residents remain doubtful that the initiative will finally end years of darkness across the city. The ambitious “Light Up Abuja” project was launched by FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, in October, to replace and expand the capital’s existing streetlight network with hybrid solar installations designed to ensure round-the-clock illumination while reducing dependence on the national grid.
Project Scope and Expected Outcomes
The project, which covers Lots I and II, is expected to be completed within six months and will span major expressways and districts across the city. Wike, who described the initiative as part of efforts to improve safety and modernize the capital, said the administration inherited a city that was almost 80 percent in darkness. “When we came on board, Abuja was almost 80 percent in darkness and insecurity was rising. Every week, files came in for streetlight maintenance, yet there was no light. It became a nightmare,” he said.
Maintenance and Security Concerns
The companies involved in the project will maintain the facilities for four to five years, and the surveillance technology will ensure vandals and cable thieves are caught. However, despite assurances from the administration, residents have expressed doubt that the project will achieve lasting results, given Abuja’s long record of vandalism, poor maintenance, and abandoned streetlight infrastructure. For instance, along the Kubwa Expressway, the Airport Road, and other long stretches are broken or inactive streetlights which remain unlit even after dusk.
Resident Experiences and Concerns
Aisha Bello, a civil servant who resides at Dutse Alhaji, told our reporter that the problem has persisted for months, forcing motorists to adapt to the new reality. “Once it’s 8 p.m., the whole stretch goes dark. Drivers can hardly see the road except they fully beam their headlights. I almost brushed the road divider one night until a car behind me with better lights moved close that I realised I was too close to the kerb,” she said. Emeka Okoro, a commercial driver who plies the Berger/Lugbe route, said residents have grown weary of repeated promises. “They’ll launch new projects every time, but after a few months, the lights stop working. Nobody repairs them. The real issue is maintenance,” he said.
Sabotage and Vandalism
Beyond failed maintenance, findings have shown that deliberate sabotage has been one of the biggest threats to streetlight infrastructure across the capital. In 2024, the Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, Felix Obuah, disclosed that an expatriate contractor had been arrested for allegedly vandalising streetlight installations across several districts of the city. Obuah, who led an inspection tour across the 21 lots under the streetlight project, revealed that 18 of the lots had suffered extensive damage including missing cables, removed poles, and broken fittings.
Call for Accountability and Surveillance
Residents have since called for tighter surveillance and accountability mechanisms to protect the new hybrid solar installations once they are deployed. Many believe the success of the “Light Up Abuja” project will depend less on the technology used and more on how well the FCTA enforces maintenance and security. The AMMC coordinator described the act as economic sabotage against the FCT and warned that anyone caught tampering with public infrastructure would be prosecuted.
Conclusion
For now, Abuja’s streets are plunged into darkness after nightfall, as residents wait to see whether this new initiative will finally restore the city’s glow or become another costly promise dimmed by neglect and sabotage. The success of the "Light Up Abuja" project hinges on the administration’s ability to address the underlying issues of maintenance and vandalism that have plagued the city’s streetlight infrastructure for years.
FAQs
- Q: What is the "Light Up Abuja" project?
A: The "Light Up Abuja" project is an initiative by the Federal Capital Territory Administration to replace and expand the capital’s existing streetlight network with hybrid solar installations. - Q: What are the concerns of the residents regarding the project?
A: Residents are concerned about the project’s maintenance and security, given the city’s history of vandalism and poor maintenance of streetlight infrastructure. - Q: How will the new streetlights be maintained?
A: The companies involved in the project will maintain the facilities for four to five years, and surveillance technology will be used to prevent vandalism. - Q: What is the expected completion time for the project?
A: The project is expected to be completed within six months. - Q: What areas will the project cover?
A: The project will cover major expressways and districts across the city, including Lots I and II.
