The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, says Abuja’s Smart City Vision is being powered by strategic investments in urban mobility, sustainability, public safety, digital governance, and economic empowerment.
Speaking at the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum in Dubai on Tuesday, Wike said the city was collaborating with both international agencies and private sector players to make the capital more efficient and citizen focused.
He cited joint projects with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on smart water metering, Chinese-backed intelligent traffic systems, and ongoing initiatives like the Abuja City Walk and the Abuja Industrial Park.
These, he said, reflect Abuja’s readiness to embrace innovation through public-private partnerships and city-to-city collaborations.
A City Built With Purpose
Wike described Abuja as “a purpose-built and ever-evolving capital with a clear master plan anchored on service delivery.”
He said under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the FCT administration was driving investments that would modernise the capital and empower its citizens.
He outlined five key pillars of the Smart City Vision. “Urban Mobility is about expanding transport networks, using intelligent traffic systems, and improving public transport to reduce congestion. Sustainability means renewable energy adoption and smart waste management for a cleaner city,” he said.
He added that “Public Safety focuses on solar streetlights, CCTV surveillance, and rapid emergency response; Digital Governance entails creating digitized land registries and call centres; while Economic Empowerment centres on attracting tech companies and creating jobs.”
Collaboration and youth inclusion
The FCT Minister also met the UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, who oversees the Political Affairs Office of Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
At the summit, which was moderated by Dr Sukaina Al Nasrawi of UNESCWA, other speakers included officials from the Dubai Future Foundation, Digital Dubai Authority, and private investors from the UAE and Asia.
Wike stressed the importance of data-driven development, referencing Nigeria’s forthcoming National Employment Database, designed with global development partners.
“This system will match skills with job opportunities and support entrepreneurship programmes through the Abuja Enterprise Agency,” he said.
He concluded that Abuja’s transformation “is not just about technology, but about placing citizens at the centre of development — building a safer, more inclusive and prosperous environment for all.”
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