Four rural communities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, have been left without electricity for over a decade despite the launch of a government electrification project in 2013. The affected communities—Gaba, Igu, Shere, and Kawu—are still in darkness, as the project remains abandoned despite significant investments.
Concrete poles have been planted, transformers installed, and 33KV cables connected, yet no electricity has been supplied. Frustrated residents have accused the government of neglecting their plight, leaving them to struggle without access to stable power.
A Decade of Broken Promises
The electrification project, intended to improve the lives of rural residents, has instead become a symbol of government failure. According to MonITNG, a civic technology platform that monitors abandoned projects, the communities have suffered due to neglect, vandalism, and the impact of harsh weather.
“We visited Gaba, Igu, Shere, and Kawu, where a rural electrification project started in 2013 remains abandoned. Concrete poles were planted, transformers installed, and 33KV cables connected, yet these communities have been left in total darkness for 11 years due to government neglect,” MonITNG posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
Over time, strong winds have knocked down electrical poles, and criminals have looted essential materials, including wires and iron rods, further delaying the project’s completion.
Economic and Social Hardships
The absence of electricity has had devastating effects on the communities. Businesses have suffered as traders struggle to store perishable goods, schools operate without adequate learning conditions, and healthcare services remain unreliable.
Residents say they have repeatedly written to relevant authorities, including the FCT Administration and the Ministry of Power, but no action has been taken to complete the project.
“We can’t power our businesses, store our food, or even enjoy basic comforts like light at night,” said a resident of Gaba. “The government started something, and they should finish it.”
Call for Urgent Action
MonITNG has called on the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, to take immediate steps to complete the project and end the suffering of the affected communities.
“We call on the Minister of Power @BayoAdelabu to urgently intervene to revive and complete this project. The people of these villages cannot remain in darkness any longer. It’s time to fulfill promises, take action, and bring light to the forgotten.”
The issue of abandoned electrification projects is not new in Nigeria, where government contracts are frequently awarded and later abandoned due to corruption, mismanagement, or a lack of political will.
Despite the setbacks, residents of the affected FCT communities remain determined to hold the government accountable and ensure they finally receive the electricity they were promised over a decade ago.
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