The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has revealed that Abuja’s blueprint for transforming into a world-class smart city is built on five strategic pillars: Urban Mobility, Sustainability, Public Safety, Digital Governance, and Economic Empowerment.
Speaking on Tuesday at the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Wike stated that the FCT Administration is making substantial investments in infrastructure, technology, and strategic partnerships aimed at enhancing residents’ quality of life and positioning Abuja as a global model of innovation and resilience.
According to a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the Minister informed global city leaders that the FCT’s Smart City Vision is being actualized through robust collaboration with international organizations and private sector partners.
Wike highlighted key initiatives such as the Smart Water Metering Project implemented with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the intelligent traffic light system developed with support from Chinese partners, and ongoing projects like the Abuja City Walk and the Abuja Industrial Park. These, he noted, reflect the city’s strong commitment to innovation, driven by public-private partnerships and global city-to-city cooperation.
“Abuja is a purpose-built and ever-evolving capital with a clear master plan, vision and mission anchored on service delivery to citizens. Our Smart City Vision is being driven by strategic investments in five key areas -urban mobility, sustainability, public safety, digital governance, and economic empowerment”, he said.
The Minister explained that Urban Mobility focuses on expanding transport networks, developing intelligent traffic systems and improving public transportation to reduce congestion and enhance accessibility.
Under sustainability, the administration is promoting smart waste management, renewable energy adoption and waste-to-wealth initiatives aimed at achieving a cleaner and greener environment.
On Public Safety, Wike said Abuja is deploying smart solar streetlights, CCTV surveillance systems and rapid emergency response mechanisms to strengthen security and safety across the capital.
For Digital Governance, he highlighted ongoing initiatives such as the FCT Call Centre and the digitized land registry, which are designed to enhance transparency, efficiency and citizen engagement in government processes.
On the final pillar, Economic Empowerment, Wike said Abuja is deliberately expanding its digital ecosystem to attract tech firms and create jobs for young people.
“We are building an economy that empowers our youth through innovation and digital inclusion.
“Through the upcoming National Employment Database, developed in partnership with global agencies, we will match skills with opportunities, guide targeted training, and support entrepreneurship through programmes of the Abuja Enterprise Agency.”
The Minister stressed that the transformation of Abuja into a smart and sustainable city “is not just about technology but about putting people at the centre of development – building a safer, more inclusive, and prosperous environment for all.”
Earlier, Wike had met with the UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, who also oversees the Political Affairs Office of the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to discuss avenues for enhanced bilateral cooperation.
Other speakers at the global forum moderated by Dr. Sukaina Al Nasrawi, Lead for the Sustainable Urban Development Portfolio at UNESCWA included Sara Al Zarooni from the Digital Dubai Authority, Saeed Al Falasi of the Dubai Future Foundation, Tushar Singh Singhvi from Crescent Enterprises, and Lyman Tu representing the Wilo Group.
Minister Wike attended the event with a delegation comprising his 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.
The summit, which convened mayors, city leaders, and urban development professionals from around the world, served as a platform for exchanging best practices on leveraging innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity to achieve 21st-century urban development goals.