Abuja’s gradual descent into darkness

Once upon a time, Abuja used to be a beauty to behold at night with its numerous streetlights brightening up the city. However, that is not the case these days. Most of the streetlights are no longer functional. In many areas of the city, it’s no longer a surprise to meet darkness on the streets. […]

Once upon a time, Abuja used to be a beauty to behold at night with its numerous streetlights brightening up the city. However, that is not the case these days. Most of the streetlights are no longer functional. In many areas of the city, it’s no longer a surprise to meet darkness on the streets.

For example, if you are entering Abuja at night from the airport, the whole of Umaru Musa Yar’Adua road, otherwise known as airport road, is mostly lit by headlamps of moving vehicles. Apart from this road, no part of the city has been spared. From Jabi to Asokoro; Gwarimpa to Apo; Maitama, Wuse and Garki, you’ll find malfunctioning streetlights. The deplorable state of these streetlights is of great detriment to the inhabitants as there has been an upsurge in crimes in Abuja due to this.

The present FCT Administration is doing little about the maintenance of these streetlights. The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) also shares part of the blame because of the epileptic power supply. These bodies need to join hands together to figure out how to revive the streetlights system in Abuja ASAP.

Anuoluwa Fafunwa, Abuja