The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has outlined Abuja’s transformation agenda into a world-class smart city anchored on five key pillars — Urban Mobility, Sustainability, Public Safety, Digital Governance, and Economic Empowerment.
Wike made this known in a statement on Tuesday by Mr. Lere Olayinka, his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media. The statement said the minister spoke at the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
According to the minister, Abuja’s Smart City Vision is being propelled by strategic investments and international collaborations designed to enhance innovation, infrastructure, and service delivery.
Wike said the FCT Administration was partnering with several international agencies and private sector actors, including the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on smart water metering, Chinese partners on intelligent traffic lights, and ongoing projects such as the Abuja City Walk and Abuja Industrial Park.
“These initiatives reflect Abuja’s commitment to leveraging public-private partnerships and city-to-city exchanges to accelerate innovation,” he said.
He described Abuja as “a purpose-built and ever-evolving capital with a clear master plan, vision, and mission anchored on service delivery to citizens.”
Wike explained that under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the FCT’s Smart City Vision was being advanced through investments in five priority areas.
“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,” he said.
The minister also highlighted Digital Governance, which involves the creation of platforms like the FCT call centre and a digitised land registry to promote citizen engagement, transparency, and efficiency in service delivery.
He said Economic Empowerment focuses on job creation and attracting tech companies through the expansion of Abuja’s digital environment.
Wike further emphasised the importance of data in shaping opportunities for young people, citing Nigeria’s upcoming National Employment Database being developed in partnership with global development partners.
“This system will match skills with job opportunities, guide targeted training, and support entrepreneurship programmes by the Abuja Enterprise Agency,” he explained.
The minister stressed that Abuja’s transformation into a smart and sustainable city “is not only about technology, but about placing citizens at the centre of development – building a safer, more inclusive, and prosperous environment for all.”
While in Dubai, Wike also met with the UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, Reem bint Al Hashimy, who oversees the Political Affairs Office of the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
