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We are positioning Abuja As Hub For Smart City Innovation—FCT Minister

The Minister of state for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud  has called on invstors in the United States of America to take advantage of the reforms being undertaken in the FCT in order to deepen collaboration in smart cities, housing, and ICT sectors, aiming to co-create sustainable urban futures that benefit both continents.

She spoke at the 8th edition of the US–Africa Business Week 2025 held on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York.

a statement issued by Austin Elemue, the Chief Press secretary to the Minister quoted Dr Mahmoud as telling her audience that Abuja is a strategic hub for investment and innovation, noting its prime location, modern infrastructure, abundant resources, and well-educated youthful population.

She pointed to major projects like Centenary City and the World Trade Centre in the nation’s capital city of Abuja as examples of Nigeria’s ambition to develop sustainable smart cities, emphasizing that Africa’s smart city market is projected to reach $1.5 billion in 2025, with Abuja playing a central role.

The Minister underscored the vital role of Nigerian women and youth as key drivers of economic growth, noting that over 70% of Abuja’s population is under 35 and that women are increasingly assuming leadership roles.

She called for partnerships to deploy ICT solutions and smart grids, to engage with Nigeria’s innovative Land Swap housing model, and to leverage youthful talent in establishing tech hubs, data centres, and software firms to build a digital ecosystem across the continent.

Mahmoud emphasized the summit’s theme of building bridges and called for joint efforts to create a legacy of innovation, inclusion, and mutual benefit.

She, therefore, reaffirmed the FCT Administration’s shared commitment to building bridges of innovation, inclusion, and prosperity between Africa and the United States.

Mahmoud expressed confidence that the collaboration between American innovation and Nigerian resilience would produce sustainable urban growth models defining Africa’s future while urging all participants to convert dialogue into action.

The session brought together the Executive Governor of Zamfara, Dauda Lawal Dare, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, distinguished policymakers, investors, business leaders, and professionals from both the United States and Africa.

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