By Babajide Awoyinfa

A Nigerian PhD scholar in power system studies, Mr Olaoluwa Adeleke, has urged government and stakeholders to prioritise renewable energy and digital infrastructure to drive Nigeria’s smart city transition.

Adeleke made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos.

He noted that Nigeria could leapfrog outdated infrastructure by adopting digital systems used in advanced economies such as the United States and Singapore.

According to him, Nigeria does not need to repeat the mistakes of older economies.

“We can skip decades of slow infrastructure development by going digital and integrating smart technologies into our cities.”

Adeleke, whose research focuses on renewable energy, power system stability, microgrids, and robotics, said Nigeria, one of Africa’s most outage-prone nations, could benefit from IoT-enabled smart grids that detect and correct faults automatically.

He explained that smart water networks and advanced monitoring systems could also improve efficiency, reduce waste, and support better urban resource management, aligning with Nigeria’s goal of building sustainable and resilient cities.

The scholar described renewable energy as the foundation of smart city development, stressing that with only about 55 per cent grid access nationwide, Nigeria must expand investment in solar microgrids and smart metering technologies.

He said, “Renewable energy is not an option; it is the backbone of any smart city project. Without clean and stable power, there can be no genuine progress in digital transformation.”

According to him, these innovations will reduce dependence on generators, lower carbon emissions, and save part of the estimated 29 billion dollars lost annually to power volatility and grid instability across major sectors.

Adeleke said urban transport inefficiency, especially in Lagos, costs billions of Naira yearly, adding that AI-driven traffic lights, GPS-equipped buses, and predictive transport software could drastically reduce congestion and improve mobility.

He said, “Cities like Singapore and Barcelona have shown that smart mobility is achievable when data, automation, and real-time monitoring are combined. Nigeria can replicate that model with local innovation.”

He emphasised that smart governance was essential for success, urging the creation of digital platforms that allow citizens to report outages, monitor responses, and participate in public decision-making processes more effectively.

“A truly smart city must be people-centred. Technology should empower citizens to hold leaders accountable, improve transparency, and strengthen service delivery at all levels.”

The scholar warned that increased reliance on technology could expose Nigeria to cyber threats, including ransomware and data breaches, calling for stronger cybersecurity frameworks and specialised training for government and energy sector workers.

He said adopting blockchain-based data protection systems would enhance security, improve transparency, and prevent unauthorised access to sensitive information within Nigeria’s emerging digital infrastructure and smart energy ecosystem.

Adeleke also called for smart city solutions in rural areas, such as solar microgrids, telemedicine, and IoT-based agricultural tracking, which he said would improve access to power, healthcare, and food production.

He noted, “Smart cities must not exclude rural areas. With solar microgrids, smart farming, and telemedicine, we can create inclusive development that bridges the rural–urban divide.”

He identified financing gaps, weak connectivity, and low awareness as key challenges, recommending public-private partnerships, satellite broadband investment, and community education to ensure equitable digital and energy access nationwide.

On international cooperation, he urged Nigeria to strengthen collaboration with the World Bank, African Development Bank, and global technology firms like Huawei to secure funding, knowledge transfer, and technical expertise.

He said effective implementation of smart city projects could save up to 30 per cent in energy losses, create ICT and renewable energy jobs, and improve national security through better data-driven management systems.

“Smart cities are not only about technology but about creating sustainable, inclusive, and resilient communities powered by clean energy and guided by innovation,” Adeleke told NAN. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran