Nigeria’s Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has urged U.S. partners to deepen collaboration in smart cities, housing, and ICT, with a view to co-creating sustainable urban futures beneficial to both continents.
She made the call at the 8th edition of the US–Africa Business Week 2025, held on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York.
In a statement signed by her Special Assistant on Media, Austin Elemue, Mahmoud described Abuja as a strategic hub for investment and innovation, citing its prime location, modern infrastructure, abundant resources, and a well-educated youthful population.
She highlighted major projects such as Centenary City and the World Trade Centre in Abuja as examples of Nigeria’s ambition to develop sustainable smart cities, noting that Africa’s smart city market is projected to reach $1.5 billion in 2025, with Abuja expected to play a central role.
The Minister further stressed “the vital role of Nigerian women and youth as key drivers of economic growth, pointing out that more than 70% of Abuja’s population is under 35 and that women are increasingly taking up leadership positions.”
She called for partnerships to deploy ICT solutions and smart grids, to explore Nigeria’s innovative Land Swap housing model, and to harness youthful talent in establishing tech hubs, data centres, and software firms to build a digital ecosystem across the continent.
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Mahmoud reiterated the summit’s theme of “building bridges”, urging joint efforts to create a legacy of innovation, inclusion, and mutual benefit.
She reaffirmed the FCT Administration’s commitment to strengthening collaboration between Africa and the United States. She expressed confidence that the combination of American innovation and Nigerian resilience would deliver sustainable urban growth models that will shape Africa’s future.
Mahmoud urged participants to ensure that dialogue at the summit is translated into concrete action.
The session also brought together the Executive Governor of Zamfara, Dauda Lawal Dare; Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang; as well as distinguished policymakers, investors, business leaders, and professionals from both the United States and Africa.