Wike seeks stronger EU partnership for investment, cultural exchange in FCT

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has called on countries of the European Union (EU) to deepen investment ties, promote cultural exchange, and partner with the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to drive development in Abuja.

Wike made the appeal on Tuesday while addressing EU Heads of Mission at the EU House in Abuja, where he reaffirmed his commitment to sustained collaboration with European partners for the growth of the FCT and Nigeria at large.

The meeting, chaired by the Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, brought together envoys from several EU member states, including Italy, Germany, France, Spain, Sweden, and others.

In his remarks, Wike highlighted key priority areas of the FCTA, including infrastructure development, security, education, healthcare, social welfare, and land administration reforms. He described Abuja as a business-friendly city with investment opportunities spanning real estate, tourism, agriculture, solid minerals, and waste management.

He noted that the administration is investing heavily in infrastructure, including road expansion, public transportation upgrades, and improved water supply, as part of efforts to stimulate economic growth and social inclusion.

On security, the minister said the FCTA has strengthened its framework with the construction of 12 fully equipped divisional police headquarters and officers’ quarters across the six area councils.

Wike also spoke on governance and electoral reforms, noting that efforts are being made to enhance transparency and credibility in elections through legal and institutional mechanisms. He added that Nigeria’s democracy is evolving, with increasing reliance on constitutional processes to resolve disputes.

He further described the relationship between the executive and legislative arms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as cooperative, aimed at advancing policies for national development.

The minister outlined key reforms under the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, including fuel subsidy removal, foreign exchange unification, and tax reforms designed to boost revenue generation. He added that social intervention programmes, such as conditional cash transfers and student loans, are being implemented to support vulnerable citizens.

While acknowledging ongoing security challenges, including insurgency, banditry, and communal conflicts, Wike assured that the government is intensifying efforts to strengthen security architecture, improve intelligence gathering, and enhance inter-agency coordination.

He emphasised that continued partnership with the EU would play a vital role in achieving sustainable development, stability, and prosperity in the FCT and across Nigeria.