The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has described the Abuja Smart City Vision as a model driven by major investments in mobility, sustainability, safety, digital governance, and economic empowerment.
Wike made this known on Tuesday, the 28th of October, 2025, while addressing global leaders at the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The event brought together mayors and policymakers from across the world to discuss innovative urban solutions.
According to a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike said Abuja’s Smart City agenda reflects a strong commitment to developing a modern capital built on technology, innovation, and human-centered progress.
He noted that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Smart City Vision is anchored on five pillars that link infrastructure, technology, and effective governance.
According to Wike, “Urban mobility is about expanding transportation networks, introducing intelligent traffic systems, and strengthening public transport to reduce congestion and improve accessibility.”
Speaking further, he explained that sustainability efforts in the FCT focus on smart waste management, renewable energy, and waste-to-wealth initiatives aimed at maintaining a cleaner environment.
He added that security remains a major focus of the administration. “Smart solar streetlights, CCTV surveillance, and emergency response systems are being deployed to enhance security and protect residents,” he said.
Wike also emphasized the importance of digital governance in improving service delivery. “We have developed platforms such as the FCT Call Centre and the digitized land registry to make governance more transparent, efficient, and citizen-focused,” he stated.
On economic empowerment, the minister said that attracting tech investors and generating employment opportunities for young people are key parts of Abuja’s digital growth.
“Abuja’s digital environment is expanding to support innovation and entrepreneurship, ensuring that the youth benefit directly from technology-driven development,” he said.
Highlighting current collaborations, Wike pointed to partnerships with global and private sector players such as JICA’s Smart Water Metering Project, Chinese-backed intelligent traffic light systems, the Abuja City Walk, and the Abuja Industrial Park.
“These projects reflect our commitment to leveraging public–private partnerships and city-to-city exchanges to accelerate innovation,” he explained.
Earlier in Dubai, Wike held talks with the UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, who also manages the Political Affairs Office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE.
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He described Abuja’s growth model as unique, explaining that the city’s development is guided by a master plan and a focus on efficient service delivery.
According to him, data will play a central role in shaping Abuja’s future.
“Nigeria’s upcoming National Employment Database, developed in partnership with global agencies, will help match skills with job opportunities, guide training, and support youth enterprises through the Abuja Enterprise Agency,” he said.
Wike concluded by restating that Abuja’s Smart City Vision goes beyond technology. “Our transformation journey is about putting citizens at the centre of development, building a safer, more inclusive, and prosperous environment for all,” he said.
He attended the Dubai forum with the Senior Special Assistant on Legal and Multilateral Cooperation, Barr. Benedict Daudu; Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda; Director of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima; Director of Engineering Services, Engr. Chuks Udeh; and Director of Protocol, Sani Musa Daura.
Other speakers at the session, moderated by Dr. Sukaina Al Nasrawi of UNESCWA, included Sara Al Zarooni of the Digital Dubai Authority, Saeed Al Falasi of the Dubai Future Foundation, Tushar Singhvi of Crescent Enterprises, and Lyman Tu of Wilo Group.