Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Henry Owen | Stone Reporters News
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has reaffirmed that Abuja’s “Smart City Vision” is being powered by strategic investments across five critical pillars — Urban Mobility, Sustainability, Public Safety, Digital Governance, and Economic Empowerment.
Wike made this known while speaking at the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday. He emphasized that the FCT Administration is determined to leverage innovation and global partnerships to make Abuja a model of urban modernization in Africa.
According to a statement released in Dubai by the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike said Abuja’s transformation agenda is being advanced through strategic collaborations with international development partners and private sector actors.
“Abuja is actively collaborating with agencies such as JICA on Smart Water Metering, receiving Chinese support for Intelligent Traffic Lights, and implementing projects like the Abuja City Walk and Abuja Industrial Park,” Wike stated.
“These efforts underscore our commitment to harnessing public-private partnerships and city-to-city exchanges to drive innovation and sustainable growth.”
Earlier in Dubai, the FCT Minister met with the UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, who also oversees the Political Affairs Office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
At the forum, moderated by Dr. Sukaina Al Nasrawi, Lead of the Sustainable Urban Development Portfolio at UNESCWA, Wike joined other global city leaders including Sara Al Zarooni (Digital Dubai Authority), Saeed Al Falasi (Dubai Future Foundation), Tushar Singh Singhvi (Crescent Enterprises), and Lyman Tu (Wilo Group).
Wike was accompanied by key FCTA officials including Barr. Benedict Daudu, Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, Mukhtar Galadima, Engr. Chuks Udeh, and Sani Musa Daura.
Highlighting Abuja’s distinct identity as a “purpose-built and ever-evolving capital city with a clear master plan,” the Minister detailed the five pillars of the Smart City Vision:
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Urban Mobility: Expansion of transportation networks, intelligent traffic systems, and integrated public transport solutions to improve accessibility and reduce congestion.
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Sustainability: Implementation of smart waste management, renewable energy adoption, and waste-to-wealth projects to promote a cleaner and greener city.
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Public Safety: Installation of smart solar streetlights, CCTV surveillance, and rapid emergency response systems to strengthen urban security.
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Digital Governance: Deployment of digital platforms such as the FCT Call Centre and digitized land registry to enhance transparency, accountability, and service efficiency.
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Economic Empowerment: Creation of digital jobs, investment in technology infrastructure, and attraction of tech-driven enterprises to foster innovation and employment.
Wike further underscored the significance of data-driven policymaking, noting that Abuja’s youth stand to benefit from Nigeria’s upcoming National Employment Database, being developed in collaboration with global development partners.
“Our goal is to make Abuja not only a smart city but also a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable one,” Wike concluded.
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