By Ifeoluwa Odunayo
Abuja and Lagos have inched upward in the 2025 IMD Smart City Index, each rising two spots to rank 133rd and 135th respectively, signaling slow but steady progress in digital governance and smart infrastructure.
The latest ranking, released by the IMD Smart City Observatory in partnership with Singapore University of Technology and Design, evaluated 142 cities worldwide.
Both Nigerian cities retained a C grade, reflecting modest advancements but still trailing behind regional leaders.
Cairo topped the African chart at 117th with a CC grade, while Algiers followed closely at 128th.
Experts say while the improvement is welcome, challenges remain in urban mobility, sustainability, and citizen engagement.
Stronger policy implementation and investment in digital solutions are key to accelerating Nigeria’s smart city transformation.
