The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Thursday said 80 percent of Abuja was in total darkness when he assumed office as minister.

Wike spoke during the official flag-off of the installation of Integrated (Hybrid) Solar Lighting in the Districts of Abuja city and expressways under the Light up Abuja program: Lots I and II.

Lot 1 of the programme will take care of Maitama, Central Area, Wuse, Asokoro and Airport Expressway while Lot 2 comprises Katampe, Katampe Extension, Jabi, Garki, Gudu, and Mabushi.

The light up Abuja project includes supply and installation (retrofitting) of integrated Hybrid Solar Street lighting fittings of 300W Zolar Powered lights luminous flux ranging from 7,500lm to 17,500lm ongoing Streets and Expressways with necessary accessories.

There will also be supply and installation of galvanized streetlight poles at new locations and also replace vandalised and knocked down poles.

The streetlights will have a surveillance module and there will be a Control Room, such that any attempt to vandalise them will be captured.

The project is to be completed within six months.

Wike said he inherited insecurity when he assumed office due to darkness within the city.

“When we came on board August 2023, one thing anybody who visits Abuja or will reside in Abuja will identify is that totally almost 80% of the entire city is darkness. Two, there was this issue of insecurity when we came on board.

“And so we were trying to see how do we tackle this issue. If we continue to live in Abuja in darkness, obviously insecurity will increase. So we decided to do what we can and what was available.

“And so in 2024, we are running to be airport decided to travel with the president to Beijing. There in Beijing, we signed an agreement with these two companies, CGC and CECC.

“We signed to CGC to provide water in the satellite towns, which is ongoing, and one to help the towns of the capital of Abuja. While we signed with CGC just for the light.

“And I asked them a simple question, how are you going to carry out this? Knowing fully well that there will be a lot of sabotage.

“One thing that I’ve talked about, but the fact that they are going to put security features so that if you go and try to vandalize it or try to steal it, they will be able to identify you. So that issue, I was happy that that area had been solved,” he said.