The House of Representatives at its plenary session on Tuesday, 30 January 2018 urged Mr. Mohammed Bello, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to ensure that streetlights were provided on all major roads, streets, bridges and roundabouts within the Federal Capital Territory. The Minister has been asked to rectify the almost inexistent power situation on major roads and streets within the metropolis of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) at night owing to either lack of streetlights or other power facilities.
Presenting the motion on the floor of the house Hon. Rotimi Agunsoye (APC:Lagos) lamented that the poor lightning situation on majority of roads, streets, bridges and roundabouts leading to different parts of the FCT meant that these areas were often in pitch darkness from dusk till dawn. He also decried its effect on citizens as the situation had created a conducive environment for criminal element to perpetuate crimes and intimidate unsuspecting citizens, leaving them fearful and apprehensive. He was of the view that unless the matter was curtailed immediately, the predicament could make the FCT less receptive and attractive to residents and visitors.
Speaking further, he expressed concern over the lack of stationary or patrol police vans on some of the most notorious roads, bridges and roundabout despite the prevailing darkness. He also compared the situation of the FCT with some other States of the Federation such as Lagos and Anambra who he commended for having major roads that were well lit at night and who sometimes powered their streetlights with standby generators, in the event of power outage.
Lastly, the Lawmaker summarized the importance of ensuring that major roads and streets in the Federal Capital Territory were well lit to protect citizens and enable residents exercise their right to free movement without fear in addition to other competitive benefits such as having a capital city that is receptive and attractive to foreign investors like what obtains in other major capital cities around the world.
The House of Representative also urged the Inspector General of Police to immediately deploy more police officers and vans to major roads and strategic areas in the Federal Capital Territory and mandated its Committee on Federal Capital Territory to ensure implementation.
