Abstract
This study assesses the effectiveness of
smart city initiatives in promoting sustainable urban development in Nigeria,
focusing on three major cities: Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. Smart cities,
driven by digital technologies and data-driven solutions, aim to enhance
infrastructure, citizen engagement, environmental sustainability, and economic
growth. The findings reveal variations in the effectiveness of these
initiatives across cities due to local governance, funding, and citizen
participation. Lagos demonstrates high effectiveness, driven by substantial
investments in infrastructure and environmental sustainability. Abuja excels in
citizen engagement but faces environmental challenges. Port Harcourt lags
behind due to funding constraints and environmental issues. Tailored
strategies, collaborative governance, and citizen engagement are recommended to
address city-specific challenges. Environmental sustainability and economic
diversification are crucial, alongside technological capacity building and
innovative funding approaches. Streamlining bureaucratic processes and robust
monitoring mechanisms are essential for successful smart city implementation.
Knowledge sharing among Nigerian cities can facilitate the adoption of best
practices and accelerate sustainable urban development nationwide.
Keywords: Smart City Initiatives, Sustainable Urban Development, Citizen Engagement, Environmental Sustainability, Nigeria
author/Tochukwu S. Ezeudu & Ibrahim M. Ismail
journal/FUJPAM Vol. 2, No. 1