Lagos: A Nigerian PhD scholar in power system studies, Mr. Olaoluwa Adeleke, has called on both the government and stakeholders to prioritize renewable energy and digital infrastructure, facilitating the transition to smart cities across Nigeria.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Adeleke emphasized that Nigeria has the potential to bypass outdated infrastructure by adopting digital systems similar to those utilized in advanced economies like the United States and Singapore. He highlighted the opportunity for Nigeria to avoid the developmental missteps experienced by older economies by integrating smart technologies directly into urban planning.
Adeleke, whose research delves into renewable energy, power system stability, microgrids, and robotics, noted that Nigeria, one of Africa’s most outage-prone nations, stands to gain significantly from IoT-enabled smart grids capable of automatically detecting and correcting faults. He further explained that implementing smart water networks and advanced monitoring systems could enhance efficiency, minimize waste, and support improved urban resource management, in line with Nigeria’s objectives for sustainable and resilient city development.
The scholar underscored the critical role of renewable energy as the foundation of smart city projects, pointing out that with only about 55 percent grid access nationwide, Nigeria must boost investment in solar microgrids and smart metering technologies. Adeleke argued that renewable energy is indispensable for genuine progress in digital transformation, as clean and stable power is essential for the backbone of any smart city initiative. He also noted that these innovations could significantly reduce reliance on generators, cut carbon emissions, and save part of the estimated 29 billion dollars lost annually to power volatility and grid instability across major sectors.
Moreover, Adeleke addressed urban transport inefficiencies, particularly in Lagos, which cost billions of Naira each year. He suggested that AI-driven traffic lights, GPS-equipped buses, and predictive transport software could play a crucial role in reducing congestion and enhancing mobility. By drawing parallels with cities like Singapore and Barcelona, he indicated that smart mobility is attainable through the combination of data, automation, and real-time monitoring, advocating for Nigeria to replicate their model with local innovation.
Adeleke stressed the importance of smart governance for successful implementation, advocating for digital platforms that enable citizens to report outages, track responses, and participate more effectively in public decision-making processes. He emphasized the need for a people-centered approach to smart city development, where technology empowers citizens, enhances transparency, and strengthens service delivery at all levels.
However, Adeleke cautioned that increasing reliance on technology could make Nigeria vulnerable to cyber threats, including ransomware and data breaches. He called for stronger cybersecurity frameworks and specialized training for government and energy sector workers, recommending the adoption of blockchain-based data protection systems to enhance security, transparency, and prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information.
The scholar also highlighted the necessity of extending smart city solutions to rural areas through initiatives like solar microgrids, telemedicine, and IoT-based agricultural tracking, which could improve access to power, healthcare, and food production. He emphasized the importance of inclusive development that bridges the rural-urban divide, identifying financing gaps, weak connectivity, and low awareness as key challenges. Adeleke recommended public-private partnerships, satellite broadband investment, and community education to ensure equitable digital and energy access across the nation.
On the topic of international cooperation, he urged Nigeria to strengthen collaboration with organizations like the World Bank, African Development Bank, and global technology firms such as Huawei to secure funding, facilitate knowledge transfer, and acquire technical expertise. Effective implementation of smart city projects, he asserted, could lead to a 30 percent reduction in energy losses, create jobs in ICT and renewable energy, and bolster national security through improved data-driven management systems.