By Sarah NEGEDU
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has outlined Abuja’s transformation plan before world leaders, declaring that the capital’s “Smart City Vision” is anchored on innovation, digital governance, and sustainable growth.
He said the agenda is being driven by five key pillars — Urban Mobility, Sustainability, Public Safety, Digital Governance, and Economic Empowerment — each designed to reposition Abuja as a model of 21st-century urban development in Africa.
This was contained in a statement issued in Dubai on Tuesday by the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka.
According to the statement, Wike made the disclosure while addressing global mayors and city leaders at the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum, where he highlighted “Abuja’s bold steps toward becoming a world-class smart city.”
Wike, who said the city was investing strategically in technology-driven infrastructure, explained that the FCT Administration was already working with international development partners and the private sector to fast-track innovation and service delivery.
He disclosed that Abuja was collaborating with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on Smart Water Metering, with Chinese partners on intelligent traffic light systems, and with investors on projects such as the Abuja City Walk and Abuja Industrial Park. These initiatives, he said, “reflect Abuja’s commitment to leveraging public-private partnerships and city-to-city exchanges to accelerate innovation.”
The Minister, who earlier met the UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, said Abuja’s “Smart City Vision” aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for digital transformation and inclusive governance.
He stated: “Urban Mobility is about expansion of transportation networks, intelligent traffic systems, and public transport solutions to reduce congestion and enhance accessibility.
“Sustainability is about smart waste management, renewable energy adoption, and waste-to-wealth initiatives aimed at a cleaner, greener environment.
“Public Safety entails deployment of smart solar streetlights, CCTV surveillance, and rapid emergency response systems to improve security.
“Digital Governance involves creation of platforms like the FCT Call Centre and digitized land registry to promote citizen engagement, transparency, and efficiency in service delivery.
“Economic Empowerment bothers on creating jobs and attracting tech companies by expanding Abuja’s digital environment.”
The Minister also underscored the importance of data in shaping opportunities for young people, referencing Nigeria’s upcoming National Employment Database in partnership with global development agencies.
“This system will match skills with job opportunities, guide targeted training, and support entrepreneurship programs led by the Abuja Enterprise Agency,” he said.
Wike reaffirmed that Abuja’s transformation “is not only about technology, but about placing citizens at the center of development — building a safer, more inclusive, and prosperous environment for all.”
He was accompanied to the event by his Senior Special Assistant on Legal and Multilateral Cooperation, Barr. Benedict Daudu; Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda; Director of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima; Director of Engineering Services, Engr. Chuks Udeh; and Director of Protocol, Sani Musa Daura.
The session, moderated by Dr. Sukaina Al Nasrawi of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UNESCWA), also featured speakers including Sara Al Zarooni of the Digital Dubai Authority, Saeed Al Falasi of the Dubai Future Foundation, Tushar Singhvi of Crescent Enterprises, and Lyman Tu of Wilo Group.
Wike summed up Abuja’s trajectory in one line: “We are building a city that works — one that is smart, sustainable, safe, and full of opportunities for its people.”
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