Wike unveils Abuja’s Smart City vision at global Mayors’ Forum in Dubai
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday unveiled Abuja’s comprehensive Smart City Vision before an international audience of city leaders and policymakers at the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Wike said the Smart City initiative is anchored on five strategic pillars including, Urban Mobility, Sustainability, Public Safety, Digital Governance, and Economic Empowerment, designed to position Abuja as a model of innovation, efficiency, and inclusive growth in Africa.
He explained that the FCT Administration is actively implementing projects and collaborations with international development partners and private sector actors, including the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on Smart Water Metering, Chinese-supported Intelligent Traffic Systems, and major urban renewal ventures such as the Abuja City Walk and the Abuja Industrial Park.
The Minister also met with the UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, to deepen bilateral partnerships that align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Abuja’s long-term development blueprint.
In a statement in Dubai on Tuesday, by the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike joined global Mayors and city leaders at the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum to highlight “Abuja’s bold steps toward becoming a world-class smart city.”
Apart from the FCT Minister, other speakers at the forum, which was moderated by the Lead of the Sustainable Urban Development Portfolio, UNESCWA, Dr Sukaina Al Nasrawi, were; Director of Data and Statistics Planning and Governance, Digital Dubai Authority, Sara Al Zarooni, Executive Director of Dubai Centre 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, Lyman Tu.
Wike, in his speech, 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.”
Noting that under the President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Abuja’s “Smart City Vision” was being driven by strategic investments across five key areas, Wike said; “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.”
The FCT Minister also emphasized the importance of data in shaping opportunities for Abuja’s youth, referencing Nigeria’s upcoming National Employment Database in partnership with global development partners.
“This system will match skills with job opportunities, guide targeted training, and support entrepreneurship programs led by the Abuja Enterprise Agency,” he said.
Wike further reaffirmed that “Abuja’s transformation into a smart and sustainable city was not only about technology, but about placing citizens at the center of development – building a safer, more inclusive, and prosperous environment for all.”
