By Ismaila Jimoh, Abuja
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike has said that the Abuja’s Smart City Vision is hinged on strategic investments in five key areas such as Urban Mobility, Sustainability, Public Safety, Digital Governance as well as Economic Empowerment.
Wike stated this on Tuesday while speaking at the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
He disclosed that the FCT Administration was actively collaborating with international agencies and private sector actors, including projects with JICA on Smart Water Metering, Chinese support for intelligence Taffic Lights, ongoing ventures such as the Abuja City Walk and Abuja Industrial Park.
The Minister stressed that going with the kind of aforementioned projects, it shows Abuja’s commitment to leveraging public- private partnerships and city- city exchanges to accelerate innovation.
The Minister underscored Abuja’s unique status as “a purpose-built and ever evolving capital with a clear master plan, vision, and mission anchored on service delivery to citizens.”
While reaffirming the position of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda which he said also covers the Abuja’s Smart City Vision, the Minister explained to his audience the Five key areas of strategic investments tailored towards making it a reality.
According to him: “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.”
Wike had earlier met with the UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, who also oversees the Political Affairs Office of Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
The Minister was accompanied to the international forum by his Senior Special Assistant on Legal and Multilateral Cooperation, Barr. Benedict Daudu, others are Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, Engr Richard Yunana Dauda, Director, Department of Development and Control, Mukhtar Galadima, Director Engineering Services, Engr Chuks Udeh and Director of Protocol, Sani Musa Daura.
