ABUJA’S SMART CITY VISION TAKES CENTRE STAGE AT GLOBAL SUMMIT IN DUBAI
By: Wisdom Acka
Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has said that the Abuja’s Smart City Vision is being driven by strategic investments across five key areas of urban mobility, sustainability, public safety, digital governance and economic empowerment.
The Minister disclosed this on Tuesday, 28th October, 2025, while unveiling Abuja’s ambitious Smart City Vision at this year’s Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum in Dubai, UAE.
In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the Minister stated that the vision, which is anchored in the five pillars,is aimed at positioning the Nigerian capital as a global model for innovation and inclusive development.
Wike highlighted collaborations with international agencies and private sector players, including Japan’s JICA for smart water metering and Chinese support for intelligent traffic lights system.
He cited ongoing projects like the Abuja City Walk and the Abuja Industrial Park as proofs of the FCT Administration’s commitment to public-private partnerships, emphasizing the role of city-to-city exchanges in accelerating Abuja’s transformation.
Speaking alongside global leaders, including UAE officials and UN experts, Wike stressed that Abuja’s smart city agenda prioritizes citizens.
According to him, initiatives such as solar-powered streetlights, CCTV surveillance, and digitized land registries aim at enhancing safety, transparency, and service delivery.
The Minister also noted the upcoming Nigeria’s National Employment Database, revealing it is designed to link Abuja’s youth with job opportunities and entrepreneurship programs.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda under President Tinubu is propelling Abuja’s evolution -not just through technology, but by ensuring that no one is left behind,” Wike declared.
Abuja Digest reports that the Minister’s delegation included top FCTA officials, signaling a unified drive toward sustainable urban growth.
Earlier, the statement revealed that the Minister had met 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.
It also revealed that other speakers at the forum, moderated by the Lead of the Sustainable Urban Development Portfolio, UNESCWA, Dr Sukaina Al Nasrawi, included the Director of Data and Statistics Planning and Governance, Digital Dubai Authority, Sara Al Zarooni.
Others include the Executive Director of Dubai Center for Artificial Intelligence, Dubai Future Foundation, Saeed Al Falasi; Deputy CEO and Head of Investments, Crescent Enterprises, UAE, Tushar Singh Singhvi and Chief Sales Officer, Asia, Middle East and Africa of Wilo Group, LymanTu.
