Wike seeks German investment in Abuja’s agriculture, ICT and youth skills

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has called on Germany to partner with the FCT Administration in developing agriculture, information and communications technology, and youth skills acquisition programmes in Abuja.

Wike made the appeal on Tuesday when the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Stefan Rössel, visited him in Abuja, with both sides discussing opportunities for cooperation in urban development, infrastructure and economic growth.

The minister said the FCT Administration was seeking strategic partnerships with German cities to support its ambition of transforming Abuja into a world-class capital comparable to Berlin, Munich and Washington, D.C.

He said the administration was committed to creating a secure and conducive environment for diplomatic missions, businesses and foreign investors.

Wike acknowledged that Abuja had faced challenges in security and urban infrastructure before the current administration but maintained that improvements were being recorded under President Bola Tinubu’s government.

“Our vision is to see Abuja become one of the best cities in the world. With the mandate to change the narrative, security and the environment have improved, and road infrastructure is being actively delivered,” he said.

The minister also defended the Federal Government’s economic and security reforms, including moves towards decentralisation and state policing, saying difficult policy decisions were necessary to achieve long-term benefits.

Acknowledging the economic hardship facing Nigerians, Wike urged patience, arguing that the reforms needed time to translate into improved living conditions.

“Leadership is about taking bold decisions for long-term benefit. Things may be harsh now for a short while, but in the long run, the people will reap the benefits,” he said.

Earlier, Rössel highlighted the longstanding diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and Germany, which spans 66 years, and expressed his country’s readiness to deepen cooperation with the FCT Administration.

The ambassador said the changes taking place in Abuja and the broader reform agenda were visible, adding that Germany would continue to support Nigeria’s economic and security initiatives.

“As a new ambassador, it is immediately visible that this country is on the move,” Rössel said.

He noted that economic reforms could take time to translate into jobs and improved welfare but said Germany remained committed to supporting Nigeria’s efforts.

The envoy also indicated that the German Embassy and European Union member states were interested in working with the FCT Administration on urban planning, infrastructure development and city governance.

The proposed cooperation could provide opportunities for Germany and Abuja to exchange expertise and explore development initiatives in areas identified by the FCT Administration.