FCTA arrests foreign contractor ‘vandalising’ Abuja streetlights

The federal capital territory administration (FCTA) says an expatriate has been arrested for allegedly damaging streetlights in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Felix Obuah, coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Agency (AMMC), spoke in Abuja on Wednesday after inspecting vandalised streetlights along the Kubwa expressway and other locations.

Obuah did not disclose the expatriate’s identity but described him as “a prominent foreign contractor engaged in business with the FCTA”.

He noted that scavengers and miscreants had been previously blamed for streetlight vandalism in Abuja.

“Today, we discovered that high-level contractors are involved in sabotaging the efforts of the FCT minister and AMMC to ensure streetlights are working in the capital city,” Obuah said.

“We have arrested a very prominent contractor, an expatriate who was involved in vandalising streetlights, probably to enable them to get the streetlight contract.

“As I speak to you, one of the expatriates is in detention for vandalising our streetlight poles.”

Obuah noted that he would submit a report to Nyesom Wike, the FCT minister, to address the parties involved in vandalism and those purchasing the stolen materials.

“I went to Kubwa Road, Jabi, and Shehu Yar’Adua way, among other streets, and discovered that most of the streetlights, particularly in the Kubwa area, have been vandalised,” he said.

“I am saddened by the level of vandalisation that has happened in some of these lots.

“We can be fixing streetlights while some miscreants and expatriates are busy vandalising, sabotaging the good efforts of this government.”

Obuah added that Wike had previously instructed AMMC to ensure that all streetlights in Abuja were operational.

He said the council engaged contractors to repair, maintain, and protect the streetlights against vandals.

“But when we visited some of the streets, we discovered that most of the contractors are not living up to expectations. There is no security,” he said.

“After they finished installation in the night, they leave, and vandals take over the space and vandalise the installations, removing mostly the cables.”

Obuah said contractors, who fail to meet expectations would be recommended for dismissal, with their contracts handed to more capable companies.

He added that the council has enlisted hunters and vigilante groups to protect the streetlight facilities from further vandalism.