Wike launches hybrid solar street lighting project
Ahead of the February 2026 Area Council poll in Abuja, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, and the ‘Obidient Movement’ have resolved to embark on issues-based campaigns to emerge victorious accusing the current FCT council chairmen as ineffective and out of touch with current realities, yearnings and aspirations of the people.
Obi, specifically, announced his plans to personally support the ADC candidate for the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Dr. Moses Paul.
The former Anambra State governor, ADC leadership and the Obidient struck the resolution in Abuja during a special independent programme organised by Dr. Paul and his councillorship candidates to sensitise AMAC residents ahead of the official flag-off of campaigns.
Obi said he supports Paul’s candidature because he has been to many places with him and knows he would not disappoint.
Paul, who is the National Secretary of the Obidient Movement of Nigeria, also received huge endorsement from the group.
National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, communicated the support at the event.
In his remarks, Paul declared that AMAC had failed the people and outlined a bold vision to restore dignity, prosperity, and service to governance.
Speaking under the banner of “We Don’t Tire!”, the chairmanship candidate stated that Nigerians were weary of broken promises, neglect, and leaders who abandon them once in power.
However, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, yesterday, launched the Hybrid Solar Street Lighting Project, as the federal capital city prepares to mark its golden jubilee.
The move is to serve as a glowing testament to a city ready to reclaim its place among the world’s great capitals.
In a spirited address marking the flag-off of the Light Up Abuja Project, Wike declared his unwavering commitment to transforming Abuja into a well-lit, secure and modern capital city despite “persistent efforts to derail progress” through what he described as “fabricated stories, sabotage and politically motivated attacks.”
The minister said the project is central to the broader developmental vision for Abuja as it approaches its 50th anniversary in February 2026.
The Light Up Abuja Project entails the installation of state-of-the-art 300W solar-powered hybrid streetlights, with luminous capacities ranging from 7,500 to 17,500 lumens, on key expressways and streets across the capital.
Lot 1 would cover Maitama, Central Area, Wuse, Asokoro and the Airport Expressway, while Lot 2 is designated for Katampe, Katampe Extension, Jabi, Garki, Gudu and Mabushi.
The initiative also includes the erection of galvanised streetlight poles in new locations, replacement of vandalised infrastructure, and integration of surveillance modules to a centralised control room — measures aimed at curbing theft and vandalism.
Wike disclosed the challenges his administration inherited and the structural decay he has had to confront.
The minister alleged that a network of “political contractors” and corrupt officials within the FCTA had turned the dysfunction into a revenue pipeline.
“Files kept coming in weekly for maintenance. It became a nightmare,” he said.
To break the cycle of inefficiencies, Wike disclosed that he secured two major agreements during a visit to Beijing with President Bola Tinubu in 2024. While CGC was tasked with delivering water to satellite towns and implementing part of the lighting initiative, CCECC was brought on board specifically for lighting infrastructure.
