By Abdul Kareem

In the Simari area of Dikwa Low-cost in Maiduguri, a local cap washer, Mohammed Bukar, shares his excitement: “We are now in New York because NEDC has brought light into our streets. Now I can safely work late hours and go home without the fear of being robbed or attacked by hoodlums.” His words capture the transformative impact of the North East Development Commission’s (NEDC) recent solar-powered streetlight initiative.

Echoing similar excitement, another resident of Simari, 17-year-old student, Umar Mohammed, said “Nightlife has become enjoyable for me because I can now stay outside our home on the well-lit streets to chat and read my books with my friends,” he said.

“Before, my parents wouldn’t allow me to stay out past 7:30 pm like other boys because the streets were dark and criminal gangs lurked around, posing a threat of harm or robbery. Now, my parents feel comfortable sending us on errands around the neighborhood without any fear. I am grateful to NEDC and the Borno state government for constructing streets and roads for us.”

Mohammed Bukar, a cap washer says he no longer worry if his task drags into the night because his street is now lighted

Revolutionizing Safety and Economy

Once shrouded in darkness and insecurity, Maiduguri’s streets are now bright and bustling. This transformation is part of the NEDC’s ambitious project to install 12,000 solar-powered street lights across the Northeast, including the states of Borno, Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Taraba, and Yobe.

NEDC’s Managing Director, Mohammed Goni Alkali, explained, “The installation of solar power in the Northeast is part of our efforts to rebuild and restore critical infrastructure in the insurgency-affected states. The streetlights will enhance security and facilitate socio-economic activities, improving living conditions.”

A Community Renewed
In Maiduguri, areas like Polo, Jiddari, and Old GRA have been revitalized. The once-deserted streets now host vibrant social and commercial activities, extending well into the night. Alhaji Goni Alkali, during an inspection tour, noted,

A well lighted street in Polo area of Maiduguri

“Residents can now move freely and conduct business at night, boosting the local economy. We are determined to make a positive impact on the lives of the people of the North East.”

The project includes installing 1,500 solar-powered poles in Maiduguri, with plans to reach 2,000 in the first phase. Solar-powered boreholes are also being implemented to address water shortages, a persistent issue exacerbated by insurgency-related infrastructure damage.

Community Impact and Voices

For many residents, the changes have been life-altering. Local markets, once closed by dusk, are now thriving. The increased sense of safety has encouraged more community participation, fostering stronger social bonds.

Muhammad Ibrahim, the owner of a kitchen utensils shop, mentioned that before the installation of solar street lights, “we frequently experienced cases of shop break-ins and theft at night. My neighbor’s shop was vandalized and robbed twice because the streets were mostly dark. However, with the installation of these street lights, everything is illuminated, and the thieves no longer bother us. Now, we can keep our shops open until 10 pm.”.

Happy Ibrahim now make sales in his office at night

Sale Ibrahim, an undergraduate in Simari, said, “The NEDC streetlights have made life better for us here on Babban-Waya Street in the Simari neighborhood. Our major problem here has been the issue of theft at night. Not a week passes by without one house reporting an invasion by thieves. But the streetlights have come to improve security for us.”

Similarly, Baba Goni, a middle-aged man who has lived most of his adult life in Simari – Dikwa Low Cost, said, “The solar streetlights have come to lighten up the evils of darkness that once cast upon our neighborhood.

“Every day I wake up, I pray for NEDC because God has used them to bring good things to our community here in Simari,” he said.

Baba Goni, lives in Simari all his life but feeling safer in neighborhood for the first because of NEDC street light

“Before now, we were plagued by all kinds of theft. Our lives were not safe. We could not allow our daughters to even step out to the next neighbor’s home on an errand because we feared for their safety. But now, with the installation of these solar street lights, you can spot a person from afar, and that has led to a drastic reduction in these crimes in our community. There is no hiding place for mischievous people because the solar streetlights have turned their evil nights into days. We are happy—God bless NEDC.”

Comprehensive Development Approach

The NEDC’s efforts extend beyond lighting. A massive drainage project is underway, clearing one million meters of drainage systems across six states to reduce flood risks and promote healthier living conditions.

“We are tackling global warming and flood risks directly,” the NEDC MD, Alkali emphasized, urging residents to prevent waste disposal in drainage systems.

The NEDC MD flanked by top management team of the commission during a night tour of newly installed 2000 streetlights in Maiduguri

In Maiduguri and Jere, 300,000 meters of drainage systems are being cleared. New drains are being constructed to ensure proper water flow and prevent informal settlements, which aligns with the NEDC’s commitment to sustainable development and recovery.

Future Prospects and Cooperation

Alkali stressed the importance of community cooperation for the success of these projects. “We need everyone’s help to maintain these improvements and prevent future issues,” he said.

The solar street light project is part of a larger effort to enhance critical infrastructure in a region long affected by conflict. By focusing on security and economic development, the NEDC is laying the groundwork for a sustainable future for the Northeast.

A well lighted Maiduguri street at midnight

A Model for Other Regions

The success of the solar-powered streetlight initiative serves as a model for other regions facing similar challenges. By embracing renewable energy, the NEDC addresses immediate security concerns while contributing to global sustainability efforts.

“The streetlights are not just lighting up streets; they are lighting up lives,” Alkali emphasized, highlighting the broader impact of the project. The integration of solar technology represents a forward-thinking approach that aligns with global environmental goals.

Community and Government Partnership

The transformation of Maiduguri and its suburbs is a testament to the power of collaboration between government agencies, local communities, and individuals. This united front is a powerful reminder of the resilience and determination of the people of the Northeast.

As the NEDC continues to implement its initiatives, there is a renewed sense of hope and optimism. The once-dark suburbs, now illuminated by solar-powered streetlights, stand as symbols of progress and resilience, paving the way for a brighter future for all residents.

The NEDC’s solar street light project has not only turned former hotspots of crime into safe havens but has also laid the foundation for economic revival and community cohesion. As more areas across the Northeast benefit from this initiative, the region is poised to overcome its challenges and embrace a future filled with potential and promise.