By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has called on European Union (EU) countries to deepen investments and strengthen cultural exchange with the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
Wike made the appeal on Tuesday during a meeting with EU Heads of Mission at the EU House in Abuja, where he reaffirmed the FCTA’s commitment to providing an enabling environment for investors across key sectors, including infrastructure, agriculture and technology.
He stressed that beyond economic collaboration, cultural exchange remains vital in strengthening people-to-people ties between Nigeria and EU member states.
The meeting, chaired by the Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Gautier Mignot, had envoys from several European countries in attendance.
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Mignot describing the EU as Nigeria’s foremost trade and investment partner, said the engagement reflects a shared commitment to deepening bilateral relations.
The minister outlined the FCTA’s priority in areas of infrastructure to include development, security, education, healthcare, social welfare, land reforms and revenue generation.
He noted that ongoing investments in road expansion, public transport and water supply are aimed at boosting economic growth and improving living standards in Abuja.
On security, the minister disclosed that the administration has strengthened security infrastructure with the construction of 12 divisional police headquarters and officers’ quarters across the six area councils.
Furthermore, he listed investment opportunities in real estate, tourism, agriculture, solid minerals and waste management as key sectors open for partnerships.
Wike also spoke on Nigeria’s political landscape, noting that reforms such as the amended Electoral Act and growing reliance on judicial processes reflect a maturing democracy.
He stated that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is focused on governance-driven policies under the Renewed Hope Agenda, including subsidy removal, foreign exchange reforms and tax restructuring.
While acknowledging prevailing security challenges such as insurgency, banditry and kidnapping, Wike assured that sustained efforts are underway to strengthen security architecture, enhance intelligence gathering and improve inter-agency collaboration.
He reiterated the FCTA’s openness to strategic partnerships that will drive sustainable development and create jobs for residents of the capital city.
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