Minister of communications, Adebayo Shittu, has reemphasized the need for smart cities that will link infrastructure and innovation to make Nigerian cities more efficient, safer and conducive for all citizens.

Shittu who made this disclosure at the unveiling of Smart cities Nigeria Summit, in Abuja said that the smart cities would make existing cities and villages more efficient and effective, using technology available at the disposal of the citizens.

The minister said that Federal government had put in place policies to tackle the challenges in the sector.

He said that the policies include Nigeria ICT Roadmap 2017 to 2020, the National strategic plan from 2016 to 2024, the broad band policy and the new power sector reforms.

The minister called on all stakeholders to plan and prepare toward an effective and fruitful summit as this would be a yearly event.
Other stakeholders also said that smart city challenge would encourage states and local governments take revolutionary steps to upgrade to the level of digital technology.

The summit, tagged: “Leveraging on solutions to improve efficiency of cities,’’ will take a critical look at the level of preparedness and solutions necessary for a sustainable smart cities initiative for Nigeria.