There is one ubiquitous phrase that is going viral in underdeveloped nations like Nigeria, and that is the concept of “Smart City.” May I humbly remind you that the idea of Smart City is not new, it has been in existence for decades in developed nations. If not for challenges ranging from bad leadership to lack of clear cut vision that has trailed Nigeria in the past, perhaps one of the cities in Nigeria would have become a Smart City.
Apparently, Africa’s most populous nation has gotten it wrong over the years. Her keen appetite to be at the same level with the likes of Vienna, Tokyo Berlin, Barcelona, Copenhagen, Toronto, Hong Kong, New York, Paris, and London (Top 10 Smart Cities in the world) cannot be denied. Some states in Nigeria, especially Lagos is looking forward to transforming rapidly in few years to come. No doubt that Lagos is perceived to be the economic hub of West Africa and it’s current administration is poised to getting it right in the area of achieving the Smart City.
The quest and efforts of Lagos State Government towards this course cannot be undermined; its efforts is quite commendable having signed treaty with Dubai Holdings, LLC, owners of Smart City (Dubai) to develop a sustainable, globally connected knowledge-based community that drives a knowledgable economy. Truly, recent by Lagos State Government’s move is a reinforcing testament to the unique mark of innovation and zeal that has so far characterized the Ambode’s administration.
Although, Governor Ambode had said it is a deliberate attempt the state to establish a strong convergence between technology, economic development, and governance. With the perception that the move is expected to bring multi-billion dollars investments to the Lagos, create thousands of jobs and transform Lagos State. The fact remains that Lagos would need to address some fundamental issues if it must achieve that.
Addressing Bottlenecks
Before the adoption of a Smart City status, there are underlying issues that indispensably need to be addressed. Lagos State must look inwardly to ascertain if it has the impetus to beating the Smart City status. That is not to undermine Lagos State efforts but we must cultivate the ideology of addressing primary issues before transcending to secondary issues.
Mind you that Smart City systematically creates and encourages innovations in city systems that are enabled by technology. They change the relationships between the creation of economic and social value and the consumption of resources and contribute in a coordinated way to achieving a vision and clear objectives that are supported by a consensus amongst city stakeholders.
However, Lagos State must check if the following have been completed, if yes, that would be a plus. If not achieved yet, then it is imperative that they are addressed.
Robust ICT Infrastructure
Does Lagos State has a sustainable environment in the area of Information Communication and Technology? Although, you cannot compare any other cities in Nigeria to Lagos in terms of internet and ICT infrastructure. Through use of ICT the authorities can provide inhabitants a number of services online like documents, shopping, trade, and education.
In August, I was in Berlin, and the city depicts an epitome of a Smart City, and I must explicitly say, addressing this issue would be a trigger to achieving a Smart City. In Smart cities like Berlin and London where modern technologies such as e-banking, e-governance, e-security, health technology, wind technology, metro, modern diagnostic techniques, current solar, etc. are judiciously utilized.
Basic Infrastructure
Apart from the modern day technologies. A smart city would have an efficient transport system coupled with the ready to ensure good governance, which implies that the government will provide easy access to government services. Basic Infrastructure: such as assured water and electricity supply, sanitation and solid waste management, efficient urban mobility and public transport must be addressed.
Good Governance
Smart City is not just about IT infrastructural deployment, if there is no good governance all efforts may be in jeopardy. Although, the Ambode’s government has been impressive and phenomenal, what about the next team of leaders that would assume office in years to come.
However, with good governance, there would be smart solutions to public information, grievance redressal, electronic service delivery, citizens’ engagement, waste to energy & fuel, waste to compost. Including 100% treatment of sewage, smart meters & management, monitoring water quality, renewable source of energy, efficient energy and green building, smart parking, intelligent traffic management system.
There are glimpses of hope that Lagos State Government would deepen infrastructural development and security systems, the Governor having reiterated that his administration is running a tripod (Infrastructure, Security and job creation)
Efficient Data System
The capture of necessary data of citizens through a connected systematic process is a real trigger to achieving the status of a Smart City. I thought if there is a comprehensive, relevant systematic approach towards collating the primary data of Lagos State residents, although it is growing, but too slow to rapid economic growing city like Lagos. However, to achieve this Lagos State has device a sustainable and reliable approach towards eliciting data from citizens.
In conclusion, I sincerely believe we can achieve this.
