SMART TECHNOLOGIES AND URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE EFFICIENCY AS DRIVERS OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN LAFIA METROPOLIS, NIGERIA

Abstract

The integration of smart technologies in urban infrastructure represents a transformative pathway toward achieving sustainable cities, particularly in rapidly urbanizing regions of the Global South. This study investigates how smart infrastructure initiatives influence urban efficiency, service delivery, and environmental performance in Lafia Metropolis, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Using a mixed-method design, data were collected from 370 residents, municipal planners, and ICT professionals to examine the operational impacts of digital systems in transport, waste management, energy distribution, and water supply. Simulated analyses indicate that smart technologies improved infrastructure efficiency by 32% and reduced service response time by 25%, demonstrating their potential to enhance sustainability outcomes. However, challenges such as unreliable power supply, inadequate data infrastructure, and weak institutional coordination limit their full effectiveness. Findings reveal that technological adoption alone is insufficient; institutional capacity and integrated planning are crucial for maximizing urban sustainability benefits. The study recommends a multi-stakeholder approach involving public- private partnerships, smart infrastructure audits, and expanded ICT literacy to build resilient, technology-driven urban systems. The research provides empirical and conceptual insights into how emerging African cities like Lafia can leverage smart technology to achieve SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).