Abia State has installed over 4,500 solar street lights as part of the ‘Light up Abia’ programme, enhancing public landscapes by improving both safety and aesthetics. These government-approved solar street lights have been installed in key areas, including Umuahia and Aba, with plans to expand the initiative across the entire state.
Solar Street Lights: A Solution for Better Security
Night-time on every major Abia street is getting brighter, thanks to the installation of over 4,500 solar street lights. Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, shared the news during a press briefing, confirming the state’s ambitious ‘Light up Abia’ programme is fully on course.
Under the project—aimed at enhancing both safety and aesthetics—these commercial solar street lights have been installed in Umuahia and Aba, the state’s commercial hub. Kanu assured the public that this initiative would eventually cover all parts of Abia State, bringing light to every corner.
Improving security is the primary objective. By illuminating streets and roads, the government aims to deter criminal activity, which often thrives in darkness. “With the installation of these solar street lights, criminals will no longer have the cover of darkness to carry out their illegal activities,” Kanu explained.
Boosting Abia’s Economy with Solar Power
Beyond improving security, the street lights are also expected to have a significant economic impact. Kanu mentioned that the project is a key part of the state’s plan to create a 24-hour economy in urban areas like Umuahia and Aba.
“The goal is to extend business hours well into the night, allowing shops and businesses to operate round the clock,” he said. With adequate lighting, businesses will be more willing to stay open late, creating more jobs and boosting the local economy.
These solar street lights will also reduce the state’s reliance on traditional power sources, which are often unreliable. By using solar energy—a clean and renewable resource—the state is ensuring that the lights will continue to work even during power outages. This creates a more stable environment for both businesses and residents.
Abia’s Role in the Nigeria Solar for Health Programme
Alongside the Light up Abia programme, the state has been selected to participate in the Nigeria Solar for Health Programme (NISHP). This initiative, funded by the European Union (EU), aims to provide an uninterrupted power supply to healthcare facilities across five pilot states, including Abia. The EU has pledged €12.1 million ($13.28 million) for the project, which will run from 2024 to 2027.
Kanu expressed excitement about Abia’s inclusion in the NISHP, noting that it will greatly benefit the state’s healthcare system. However, he did not disclose the specific healthcare facilities chosen for the project. The solar power provided by NISHP is expected to ensure that hospitals and clinics in participating states have a reliable source of energy, improving medical services and patient care.
Solar Energy Improving Healthcare Delivery
The NISHP is part of a larger effort to improve Nigeria’s healthcare system by using clean energy solutions like solar power. Launched in Abuja in July, the programme’s steering committee includes representatives from the Ministry of Power, the Ministry of Health, the EU, and the Rural Electricity Agency of Nigeria (REAN).
The EU’s investment in Nigeria’s energy sector is not limited to healthcare. Earlier this year, the EU announced an almost $40 million investment, focusing on both hydropower and solar energy. These projects are aimed at improving essential services like healthcare across the country.
As the project expands, Abia is positioned to become a model for other states in Nigeria, demonstrating the many benefits of transitioning to solar power. These solar street lights are just the beginning of a brighter, more sustainable future for Abia State.
