The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has outlined Abuja’s “Smart City Vision,” driven by strategic investments in urban mobility, sustainability, public safety, digital governance, and economic empowerment.
Speaking on Tuesday at the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum in Dubai, Wike said the initiative was central to transforming Abuja into a model for modern, data-driven urban development. His remarks were shared in a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka.
Wike told the international gathering of city leaders that Abuja was collaborating with international agencies and private sector partners to fast-track innovation. He cited ongoing projects such as the Smart Water Metering initiative with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Chinese-backed intelligent traffic lights, the Abuja City Walk, and the Abuja Industrial Park.
“These reflect Abuja’s commitment to leveraging public-private partnerships and city-to-city collaborations to accelerate innovation,” he said.
The minister’s address, moderated by Dr. Sukaina Al Nasrawi of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UNESCWA), positioned Abuja among global smart city leaders represented by the Digital Dubai Authority and the Dubai Future Foundation.
Wike described Abuja as a purpose-built capital with a clear master plan and development vision anchored on service delivery and citizen engagement. He said President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda was driving renewed investment in key urban systems to make the city more efficient and inclusive.
On urban mobility, Wike explained that the plan focuses on expanding transportation networks, deploying intelligent traffic systems, and improving public transport. Sustainability efforts include renewable energy adoption, waste-to-wealth projects, and smart waste management systems.
For public safety, he announced plans to expand solar-powered streetlights, CCTV surveillance, and emergency response systems. In digital governance, Wike highlighted innovations such as the FCT Call Centre and a digitized land registry to enhance transparency and service efficiency.
He added that economic empowerment initiatives aim to attract tech investors and create jobs through the expansion of Abuja’s digital economy. He also referenced the upcoming National Employment Database, developed with global partners, to match youth skills with job opportunities.
“Abuja’s transformation into a smart, sustainable city is not just about technology,” Wike said, “but about placing citizens at the center of development — building a safer, more inclusive, and prosperous environment for all.”
Earlier, Wike met with the UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, to explore stronger bilateral partnerships. He was accompanied by senior FCTA officials, including Benedict Daudu, Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, and other top directors.
