Youths Applaud Kaduna’s Smart City Project

The Northern Christian Youth Professionals applauded Kaduna State Governor for successfully signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Chinese tech giant Huawei to advance Kaduna State’s Smart City Project.

According to the group, this is a significant milestone that will benefit the ICT sector and create opportunities for the North West state’s youth.

The statement signed by the Chairman of Northern Christian Youth Professionals, Isaac Abrak, read: “While we celebrate this significant achievement, we would like to urge the state government to ensure that this project is fully and effectively implemented to benefit all Kaduna State residents.

“We urge the government to avoid repeating past experiences, such as those under the previous administration led by Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who obtained a $350 million World Bank loan for basic education development. Unfortunately, the purpose of this loan was not met as intended, and the people of Kaduna State are now burdened with repaying a loan that did not provide the expected benefits.

“We are confident in the current governor’s leadership, whose policies and programmes have demonstrated a genuine commitment to improving the living conditions of all Kaduna State residents.

“However, we urge the governor’s team, particularly those involved in the Huawei deal, to ensure that the project achieves its goals of improving public service efficiency and transparency, attracting talent and investment to the state, and enhancing life and property security.

“We must also draw on similar past experiences with international business dealings. A cautionary example is the ongoing seizure of Nigerian assets abroad by Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Limited, a Chinese company, as a result of a business agreement signed with the Ogun State government in 2007.

The contract for the construction of a park and factory in the Ogun State Free Trade Zone resulted in a dispute that has cost Nigeria $70 million in compensation. Despite the Ogun State government’s claims of foul play, the Chinese firm has already seized three Nigerian jets and two residential properties.”

The statement continued, “These are important lessons for both federal and state governments.” We must remain vigilant to avoid similar situations that could harm Nigeria’s reputation and impose undue financial burdens on our citizens.

“We believe that with careful planning, transparency, and accountability, the Smart City Project in Kaduna State can be a success story and a source of pride for all Nigerians.”