The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has said that the Abuja Smart City Vision is being powered by strong investments in urban mobility, sustainability, public safety, digital governance, and economic empowerment.

Wike made this known on Tuesday while speaking at the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), where he joined city leaders and mayors from around the world to share Abuja’s transformation journey.

In a statement shared by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the minister said Abuja’s Smart City drive reflects its commitment to building a world-class capital city anchored on technology, innovation, and people-centered development.

He explained that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Smart City Vision focuses on five key pillars that connect infrastructure, technology, and 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.”

On sustainability, the minister said the FCT Administration was working toward smart waste management, renewable energy adoption, and waste-to-wealth initiatives that promote a cleaner and greener environment.”

He further said that public safety remains a top priority for his administration, noting that smart solar streetlights, CCTV surveillance, and emergency response systems are being deployed to enhance security and protect residents.”

Wike also stressed the role of digital governance in transforming service delivery across Abuja. 

“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.

Speaking on economic empowerment, the minister said efforts are ongoing to attract tech investors and create jobs for young people. 

“Abuja’s digital environment is expanding to support innovation and entrepreneurship, ensuring that the youth benefit directly from technology-driven development,” he said.

Highlighting some of Abuja’s ongoing collaborations, Wike mentioned partnerships with international agencies and the private sector, including JICA’s Smart Water Metering Project, Chinese-supported intelligent traffic lights, and other ventures such as 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, Wike met with the UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, who also oversees the Political Affairs Office of the UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

He emphasized that Abuja’s development model stands out because it is a purpose-built capital guided by a clear master plan and a vision anchored on service delivery to citizens.

Wike added that data will continue to shape future opportunities for Abuja’s young people.

 “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 throuthe Abuja Enterprise Agency,” he said.

Concluding his remarks, the minister reaffirmed that Abuja’s Smart City Vision is not just about technology but about people. “Our transformation journey is about putting citizens at the centre of development building a safer, more inclusive, and prosperous environment for all,” Wike said.

Wike was accompanied to the Dubai forum by the Senior Special Assistant on Legal and Multilateral Cooperation, Barr. Benedict Daudu, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, the Director of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, Director of Engineering Services, Engr. Chuks Udeh, and the Director of Protocol, Sani Musa Daura.

Other speakers at the session, moderated by Dr. Sukaina Al Nasrawi, Lead for the Sustainable Urban Development Portfolio at 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.

Abuja’s smart city vision built on mobility, sustainability, digital governance – Wike