The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced that contractors installing streetlights in Abuja are incorporating advanced security features to combat persistent vandalism and theft of the infrastructure.
Following an inspection of road projects in Abuja on Thursday, Mr. Wike identified the two main contractors—China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and CGC Nigerian Ltd—as implementing measures to secure the lighting systems. He stated that a core part of their contract involves fitting each streetlight with a surveillance module linked to a central control room.
“The streetlights will have a Surveillance Module with a Control Room, such that any attempt to vandalise them will be captured,” the minister explained. He noted that CCECC is nearing completion of this security integration on Airport Road, adding that the goal is to significantly reduce theft by the time both companies finish their work.
Mr. Wike highlighted the chronic problem of vandalism, which has led to substantial losses. He cited the practical limitation of deploying sufficient police officers to physically monitor the vast network of streetlights as a key reason for adopting a technological solution. “By the time they finish, we’ll be able to see a situation room where we could monitor what is going on,” he said, positioning the system as a force multiplier for security.
This initiative is part of a broader FCT strategy. The minister recalled the October 2025 inauguration of a solar-powered streetlight project aimed at illuminating 80 percent of Abuja. That project was designed to enhance public security, reduce the financial burden of grid-powered maintenance, and improve overall urban safety.
The integration of surveillance technology into public infrastructure represents a shift towards proactive security management in the capital. By moving beyond reactive policing, the FCT administration aims to protect its investment in street lighting, ensure reliable urban illumination, and support the underlying goal of curbing insecurity through better-lit public spaces. The success of this model may influence future infrastructure security approaches across Nigeria’s public works.
