Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has called on European Union (EU) member states to strengthen investment ties, expand cultural exchanges, and collaborate with the FCT Administration to drive development in Abuja.
Wike made the appeal during a meeting with EU Heads of Mission at the European Union House in Abuja, where he reaffirmed his commitment to sustained engagement with European partners to promote economic growth and shared prosperity.
The meeting, chaired by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, brought together envoys from several European countries. Mignot described the EU as Nigeria’s leading trade and investment partner, setting the tone for discussions on deeper cooperation.
Addressing the diplomats, Wike outlined key priorities of the FCT Administration, including infrastructure development, security, education, healthcare, social welfare, and land reforms. He also highlighted Abuja’s growing appeal as a business-friendly capital, pointing to opportunities in real estate, tourism, agriculture, solid minerals, and waste management.
“We are committed to building a modern, inclusive capital through sustained investment in infrastructure and social services,” Wike said, noting ongoing efforts to expand road networks, improve public transportation, and enhance water supply.
On security, the minister disclosed that the administration has strengthened infrastructure with the construction of 12 new divisional police headquarters and officers’ quarters across the six area councils.
Wike also addressed Nigeria’s political and governance landscape, citing reforms such as the amended Electoral Act and increased reliance on legal mechanisms to resolve disputes as signs of democratic progress.
He stressed that opposition politics should focus on offering constructive alternatives rather than fueling instability, while noting improved collaboration between the executive and legislative arms of government.
Highlighting the policy direction of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Wike pointed to key reforms including fuel subsidy removal, foreign exchange unification, tax restructuring, and expanded social welfare programmes aimed at cushioning economic impacts on vulnerable citizens.
While acknowledging ongoing security challenges—such as insurgency, banditry, and communal conflicts—he assured that the government is intensifying efforts through enhanced intelligence, inter-agency coordination, and investment in security technology.
The minister expressed optimism that stronger Nigeria-EU partnerships would accelerate development and position Abuja as a leading destination for investment and cultural exchange.