Challenges hindering the attainment of smart cities

The concept of smart cities has become a buzzword in most developing countries. Most professionals within developing countries are quick to adopt this idea in their every day discuss on developing the state of their nation, without actually considering what this concept means to the average individual on the streets. Even lesser consideration is given to the readiness of these developing nations in terms of adopting the concept of smart cities. It is based on this notion that this study, through the review of existing studies, assessed the readiness of cities in Nigeria in adopting the concepts needed for achieving smart cities. The study gives an insight on the challenges impeding the attainment of city smartness in the country. It was observed that solving the problems caused by rapid urbanization within cities is the first step towards making these cities “smart ready”. Therefore, if cities in Nigeria are to attain city smartness, first looking inward and solving the endemic problems within these countries is necessary before adopting concepts of smart cities that have been mastered in developed countries. Although the submissions of this paper form part of a much larger ongoing study, it contributes to the body of knowledge as it brings to light the challenges that must be solved if cities in Nigeria are to ever become smart.