The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has outlined Abuja’s ambitious “Smart City Vision,” emphasizing strategic investments across five key areas — Urban Mobility, Sustainability, Public Safety, Digital Governance, and Economic Empowerment.

Speaking at the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), on Tuesday, Wike said the FCT Administration was pursuing partnerships with global agencies and private sector actors to drive innovation and inclusive urban development.

According to a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the Minister highlighted Abuja’s ongoing collaborations with international organizations, including a Smart Water Metering project with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Chinese-supported intelligent traffic light systems, and major infrastructural initiatives 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 and sustainability,” Wike said.

Earlier, the Minister 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.

At the forum, moderated by Dr. Sukaina Al Nasrawi, Lead of the Sustainable Urban Development Portfolio at UNESCWA, Wike joined other global speakers 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.

Wike, accompanied by senior FCTA officials, including the Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, and other directors, described Abuja as “a purpose-built and ever-evolving capital city with a clear master plan anchored on service delivery to citizens.”

He explained that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Abuja’s Smart City Vision is centered on creating a connected, inclusive, and sustainable metropolis.

“Urban Mobility is about expanding transportation networks, introducing intelligent traffic systems, and improving public transport to reduce congestion and enhance accessibility,” he said.

“Sustainability focuses on smart waste management, renewable energy adoption, and waste-to-wealth initiatives aimed at creating a cleaner, greener city. Public Safety involves deploying smart solar streetlights, CCTV surveillance, and emergency response systems to improve security.

“Digital Governance covers platforms such as the FCT Call Centre and digitized land registry to enhance transparency and efficiency, while Economic Empowerment seeks to attract technology firms and create jobs within Abuja’s growing digital ecosystem.”

The Minister also underscored the role of data in shaping employment opportunities for Abuja’s youth, noting the forthcoming National Employment Database being developed in collaboration 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,” Wike stated.

He reaffirmed that Abuja’s transformation into a smart and sustainable city “is not just about technology but about placing citizens at the heart of development — building a safer, more inclusive, and prosperous environment for all.”