By Daniel Tyokua
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Dr Mariya Mahmoud has extended an open invitation to foreign investors to boost Abuja’s development.
She listed the top areas to include housing, Information and Communication Technology, and innovations that will bring about sustainable urban futures.
Mahmoud made the call at the 8th edition of the US–Africa Business Week 2025 held on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York.
In a statement issued by her media aide, Austine Elemue, said Abuja as a strategic hub for investment and innovation, needs modern infrastructure, abundant resources, and well-educated youthful population.
The minister pointed to major projects like Centenary City and the World Trade Centre in the nation’s capital city of Abuja as examples of Nigeria’s ambition to develop sustainable smart cities, emphasizing that Africa’s smart city market is projected to reach $1.5 billion in 2025, with Abuja playing a central role.
She underscored the vital role of Nigerian women and youth as key drivers of economic growth, noting that over 70% of Abuja’s population is under 35 and that women are increasingly assuming leadership roles.
Mahmoud emphasized the summit’s theme of building bridges and called for joint efforts to create a legacy of innovation, inclusion, and mutual benefit.
She, therefore, reaffirmed the FCT Administration’s shared commitment to building bridges of innovation, inclusion, and prosperity between Africa and the United States.
Mahmoud expressed confidence that the collaboration between American innovation and Nigerian resilience would produce sustainable urban growth models defining Africa’s future while urging all participants to convert dialogue into action.
