A Memorandum of Understanding, (MoU) for the actualisation of the Smart City Project in Kaduna State has been signed between the Kaduna State Government and Huawei Technologies Company Nigeria Ltd., at the Huawei Technologies office in Beijing, China.
The ceremony was witnessed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, other State governors, Ministers and senior government officials. CEO, Huawei Technologies, Nigeria Limited, Chris Lu, signed on behalf of the company.
According to the State governor, Senator Uba Sani, “The MOU 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.
He further said “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.
The Governor further stated that “Today (yesterday)’s ceremony demonstrates our solid commitment to the effective and efficient use of digital and telecommunications technologies to improve Kaduna State for the benefit of our citizens and businesses.
“Our administration recognises the strategic place of ICT in driving economic growth and improving the lives of citizens. The State’s 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 utilise 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″, he noted.
The key objective of the law, he said, 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 Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani restated that his Government is committed to the speedy implementation of the Kaduna State Smart City Project, saying, “We shall honour our obligations. This project holds the key to a more secure and prosperous Kaduna State”.
He thanked Huawei Technologies Company Ltd for agreeing to partner with the State government.
