Wike unveils Abuja’s smart city roadmap at global Global Mayor’s forum in Dubai
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has outlined Abuja’s “Smart City Vision,” anchored on five strategic pillars — Urban Mobility, Sustainability, Public Safety, Digital Governance, and Economic Empowerment — as the city’s roadmap toward becoming a world-class smart capital.
Speaking on Tuesday at the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Wike said the FCT Administration was implementing a comprehensive plan to leverage technology, data, and partnerships for inclusive urban growth and improved quality of life for residents.
The Minister disclosed that Abuja was already collaborating with international agencies and private sector investors to advance smart city projects.
These include the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-supported Smart Water Metering initiative, China-assisted intelligent traffic light systems, and ongoing ventures such as the Abuja City Walk and Abuja Industrial Park.
“These projects reflect Abuja’s commitment to leveraging public-private partnerships and city-to-city exchanges to accelerate innovation,” Wike said, emphasizing that the FCTA’s approach is guided by long-term sustainability and citizen-centered governance.
Earlier, Wike held bilateral talks 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, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
In a statement issued in Dubai by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the Minister said Abuja’s evolution is rooted in its identity as a purpose-built capital city “with a clear master plan, vision, and mission anchored on service delivery to citizens.”
Noting that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Abuja’s Smart City Vision is being driven by strategic investments across five key areas, Wike explained that Urban Mobility is about expansion of transportation networks, intelligent traffic systems, and public transport solutions to reduce congestion and enhance accessibility.
He said 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, according to him, bothers on creating jobs and attracting tech companies by expanding Abuja’s digital environment.
The Minister also highlighted the role of data in driving opportunities for young people, noting Nigeria’s upcoming National Employment Database, developed in partnership with international organizations.
The initiative, he said, will match skills with job openings and guide targeted training and entrepreneurship programs coordinated by the Abuja Enterprise Agency.
“Abuja’s transformation into a smart and sustainable city is not just about technology; it’s about people.
“Our goal is to build a safer, more inclusive, and prosperous environment for all residents,” Wike stated.
The Minister was accompanied to the summit by the Senior Special Assistant on Legal and Multilateral Cooperation, Barr. Benedict Daudu; Acting Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda; Director, Department of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima; Director of Engineering Services, Engr. Chuks Udeh; and Director of Protocol, Sani Musa Daura.
The Dubai session, moderated by Dr. Sukaina Al Nasrawi, Lead of the Sustainable Urban Development Portfolio at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UNESCWA), also featured panelists including Sara Al Zarooni of the Digital Dubai Authority, Saeed Al Falasi of the Dubai Future Foundation, Tushar Singh Singhvi of Crescent Enterprises, and Lyman Tu of Wilo Group.
