- Innovative technologies can reduce energy losses and strengthen urban systems.
- Renewable energy can support smart cities and improve power accessibility.
Nigeria’s Opportunity for Rapid Growth
Nigeria can accelerate its development by adopting innovative technologies, according to power systems scholar Olaoluwa Adeleke. He explained that the country can avoid decades of slow infrastructure growth by embracing renewable energy and digital systems. He also noted that innovative technologies in Nigeria would reduce dependence on generators, lower emissions, and save billions lost due to unstable electricity.
Adeleke researches power stability, microgrids and robotics. He therefore urged leaders to invest in renewable energy and digital infrastructure to support the development of innovative and resilient cities. He argued that Nigeria holds a unique chance to leapfrog outdated systems used in older economies.
Building Smarter Energy Systems
Nigeria remains one of Africa’s most outage-prone countries. Consequently, Adeleke believes that IoT-enabled smart grids can automatically correct faults and enhance reliability. Intelligent water networks and automated monitoring platforms can also reduce wastage and improve urban resource management.
Meanwhile, he stressed that renewable energy forms the base of every effective smart city. Nigeria must therefore expand investment in solar microgrids and smart metering. Only about 55 per cent of Nigerians currently access grid electricity, which increases the urgency for reform.
More innovative Mobility for Urban Centres
Poor mobility results in significant economic losses, particularly in Lagos. Adeleke highlighted how AI-driven traffic lights and predictive mapping tools can reduce congestion. Cities such as Singapore and Barcelona have demonstrated that integrated mobility can significantly enhance transport efficiency.
Governance, Cybersecurity and Citizen Engagement
Innovative governance remains essential for the future of Nigerian cities. Digital platforms would enable citizens to report faults, track government responses and strengthen accountability. A people-centred approach, he said, defines any genuine smart city.
However, increased digital reliance introduces cybersecurity risks. Adeleke warned that ransomware attacks and data breaches could undermine progress. He recommended stronger cyber frameworks, better training and blockchain-based protection systems for secure data management.
Extending Development Beyond Urban Areas
He also urged Nigeria to extend smart city benefits to rural communities. Solar microgrids, telemedicine, and IoT-enabled farming tools can bridge the rural–urban divide and improve access to power, healthcare, and food production.
A Call for Global Partnerships
Adeleke encouraged partnerships with the World Bank, AfDB and global technology firms to secure funding and share expertise. Effective implementation could reduce energy losses by 30 per cent, create thousands of new jobs and improve national security.
He concluded that smart cities can deliver sustainable, inclusive and resilient communities powered by clean energy and supported by long-term innovation.