The Governor of Kaduna State, Mr. Uba Sani in collaboration with Huawei Technologies Company is set to introduce a ‘Smart City Project’ in the state.
Mr. Sani disclosed this on Monday upon signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Kaduna State Government and Huawei Technologies Company, Nigeria Limited at the Huawei Technologies office in Beijing, China – while Chris Lu, CEO, Huawei Technologies, Nigeria Limited signed on behalf of the company.
He revealed that the ceremony was attended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, some governors, ministers and other senior government officials.
“The MOU is for the actualization of the SMART CITY PROJECT in Kaduna State. It is geared towards enhancing security, efficiency and transparency in public service, competitiveness, city management, and attracting talents and investments. The ultimate goal is the establishment of a safer and smarter Kaduna State.
“As the strategic partner of the Kaduna State Government, Huawei will provide comprehensive leading solutions and professional technical support for Kaduna State in the following areas: (i) State-Level Unified Command Center (ii) Enhanced Security (iii) Intelligent Traffic System (iv) E-Government and Office Automation (v) Smart Education (vi) Smart Healthcare (vii) ICT Talent (viii) Renewable Energy, and (ix) Public Transportation.
“The Kaduna State Government and Huawei will establish a joint committee to flesh out details of the Implementation Plan, Funding Arrangement, and the Technology to be Deployed. We want to ensure that the project is deliverable, sustainable, and valuable,” Governor Sani said.
He mentioned that the ceremony demonstrates his administration’s solid commitment to the effective and efficient use of digital and telecommunications technologies to improve the state for the benefit of residents and citizens alike as well as businesses.
“Our Administration recognizes the strategic place of ICT in driving economic growth and improving the lives of citizens. The Kaduna State Directorate of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) has been playing a crucial role in implementing various key ICT services, e-Government solutions, and digital economy initiatives.
“In collaboration with partners, the State Government has established the Kaduna Technology City which is being upgraded to a Smart City where residents can live, work and earn. We have established a Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre, first of its kind in Nigerian States using the existing ICT HUB for ICT empowerment and ICT business clinics.
“We have ramped up the implementation of our “Bridging the Last Mile Initiative 2024 – 2027.” This initiative aims at increasing and achieving digital inclusion in Kaduna State. We want to ensure that our people effectively utilize digital tools to enhance their businesses and livelihoods.
“I signed into law a Bill to Make Provisions for the Development of Tech-Enabled Start- Ups in Kaduna State, and Other Related Matters, 2023. The key objective of the Law is to position Kaduna State’s startups ecosystem as the leading digital technology center in Nigeria having excellent innovators with cutting edge skills and exportable capacity,” the Governor stressed.
He expressed his administration’s commitment to the speedy implementation of the Kaduna State Smart City Project, adding that “we shall honour our obligations.”
He further said that the project holds the key to a more secure and prosperous Kaduna State – and expressed gratitude to Huawei Technologies Company Limited for agreeing to the partnership.
