| FCT Minister calls for development partnerships as German envoy pledges support for Nigeria’s reforms
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has called for strategic partnerships with German cities to boost investment in agriculture, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and youth skills development in Abuja.
Wike made the appeal on Tuesday when the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Stefan Rössel, visited him in Abuja.
Welcoming the ambassador, the minister highlighted the longstanding economic, cultural and political relations between Nigeria and Germany, expressing the FCT Administration’s commitment to positioning Abuja as a world-class capital city capable of competing with global cities such as Berlin, Munich and Washington, D.C.
He said the administration was working to create a secure and business-friendly environment for diplomatic missions, foreign investors and other international partners.
Wike acknowledged that Abuja had faced challenges in maintaining its status as a modern capital city, particularly in the areas of security and urban infrastructure, before the current administration.
However, he said the government had made significant progress in addressing these challenges through improved security, environmental management and road infrastructure development.
“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 economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, including moves towards decentralisation and the establishment of state police as part of efforts to address insecurity.
While acknowledging the economic difficulties confronting Nigerians, Wike urged patience, arguing that structural reforms require time to deliver sustainable benefits.
“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.
He expressed confidence that the reforms and programmes being implemented by the Federal Government would ultimately improve living conditions across the country.
Earlier, Rössel commended the longstanding diplomatic relationship between Germany and Nigeria, which he said had spanned 66 years, and expressed his country’s readiness to deepen bilateral cooperation.
The ambassador also acknowledged the visible infrastructure development taking place in Abuja and expressed support for the broader economic reform agenda of the Nigerian government.
“As a new ambassador, it is immediately visible that this country is on the move,” he said.
Rössel noted that the reforms required time to translate into employment opportunities and improved welfare but assured Nigeria of Germany’s continued support.
“These courageous reforms taken by the government require time to translate into jobs and welfare, but Germany has always supported these efforts and will continue to do so,” he said.
He further disclosed that the German Embassy and European Union member states were interested in collaborating with the FCT Administration in areas including urban planning, infrastructure development and city governance.
The ambassador reiterated Germany’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s ongoing economic and security policy initiatives, signalling opportunities for stronger cooperation between both countries.