Integrating Smart City Technologies into Urban Planning: A Strategic Approach to Urban Security in Nigeria
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Abstract
Nigerian cities are experiencing rapid urbanization accompanied by increasing security challenges and pressure on urban infrastructure. This study examines the integration of smart city security technologies into urban planning as a strategic approach to improving urban security in Nigeria. Using a mixed-methods approach, primary data were collected from 250 respondents across Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, alongside qualitative interviews with key stakeholders. Findings reveal low public awareness but strong support for smart security technologies such as surveillance systems, emergency response tools, and data analytics. The study also identifies low trust in law enforcement, policy fragmentation, and cybersecurity vulnerabilities as major barriers to implementation. The research concludes that smart city security technologies can significantly enhance urban safety when supported by inclusive governance frameworks, public engagement, cybersecurity measures, and sustainable infrastructure investment. The study contributes empirical evidence to the growing discourse on smart urban governance in developing countries, particularly within the Nigerian context.
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