Abuja Smart City Project unveiled: Aiming for a digitalized capital by 2040

Favour Ishember, Abuja

 

Havel Corporate Concept, an affiliate of ioSafe Nigeria, has unveiled a Strategic Road Map for the implementation of the Abuja Smart City Project.

 

The document was launched alongside the project’s logo and official website at the 2024 Nigeria Data Expo and Conference in Abuja.

 

Dr. Ahmed Badanga, CEO of Havel Corporate Concept and convener of the project, explained that the vision is to transform Abuja into a smart city by 2040, supporting the ongoing transformation of Nigeria’s capital city by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr Nyesom Wike.

 

Badanga noted that most services in Abuja are still manual, and the project aims to digitalize them. He emphasized the importance of data, stating that “you cannot talk about smart cities without talking about data; they are intertwined.”

 

“We have been promoting data awareness and promoting data issues in Nigeria for about 10 years now and we feel there is a need for us to also see how we can utilise the opportunity of having the right infrastructure to transit Abuja to a smart city.

 

“Our vision is to transit Abuja into a smart city where everybody will be using technology to access various services in the comfort of their houses.”

 

“Only a few services and transactions taking place in Abuja, from the studies and data we have collected, are being done digitally.

 

“So many services are being delivered manually and for that reason, we feel it is time to digitalise services in Abuja,” he said.

 

Earlier, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, highlighted the significance of data for national planning, socio-economic development, and sustainable development.

 

“So, what we are doing here today, is really important and strategic for national planning, socio-economic development and sustainable development of the country.”

 

Olatunji noted that Abuja was growing, adding that “if you don’t plan for the way the city is growing, there may be chaos in the future.

 

“If you plan, you will envisage the number of people that come in, you look at the kind of infrastructure you want to put in place.

 

“You will also look at the kind of social amenities you want to put in place, the kind of security that you want to put in place, business opportunities in the city, housing urbanisation and the rest.”

 

Also, Mr. Robb Moore, a Data Specialist and Smart Grid Specialist from the United States, stressed the need for innovative minds to drive the project’s success.

 

Mr. Nasiru Usman, Vice-Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), described the Abuja Smart City Initiative as crucial for transforming Abuja into a befitting capital city.

 

He noted that AMAC has partnered with relevant government agencies on data generation and management to address security concerns and is working to empower residents with information and communication technology skills.

 

“This will enable the people to tap from the opportunities the digital-driven world provides,” he said. to put in place.

 

“You will also look at the kind of social amenities you want to put in place, the kind of security that you want to put in place, business opportunities in the city, housing urbanisation and the rest.”

 

Also, Mr. Robb Moore, a Data Specialist and Smart Grid Specialist from the United States, stressed the need for innovative minds to drive the project’s success.

 

Mr. Nasiru Usman, Vice-Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), described the Abuja Smart City Initiative . Abuja into a befitting capital city.

 

He noted that AMAC has partnered with relevant government agencies and given them opportunities the digital-driven world provides,” he said.