By Daniel Tyokua
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has called on European Union (EU) countries to work with FCT administration to deepen investment ties, and strengthen cultural exchanges.
Speaking Tuesday with EU Heads of Mission, Wike said partnering with the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) will bring about mutual interest to build a prosperous Abuja and Nigeria.
A statement issued by Wife’s media aide, said he will continue to look forward to a continued collaboration and engagement with the EU countries to foster development of the territory.
The meeting, which was chaired by the Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Ambassador Gautier Mignot, had in attendance Envoys of Italy, Austria, Ireland, France, Hungary, Germany, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Finland, Belgium, Sweden, Spain, Czech Republic and Denmark.
Mignot, who set the tone for the meeting while introducing the Minister, described the EU as Nigeria’s first trade and investment partner.
Wike told the delegation about the FCTA priorities as a government, investment opportunities in the FCT, and the political landscape of Nigeria.
He also noted FCT’s position as a business-friendly capital city, listing investment opportunities to include real estate and housing, entertainment and tourism, agriculture, solid minerals, waste management, among others.
The statement reads, “I thank the European Union Delegation to Nigeria for the invitation and continued partnership with the Nigerian Government in advancing shared values of development, stability, and prosperity.
“Today, drawing from the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, I will briefly highlight the priority areas of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), the investment opportunities therein, and offer an overview on Nigeria’s evolving
political landscape,” it said.
He noted that the government has prioritized urban/rural development and infrastructure, security, education, health, social welfare, land administration reforms/revenue generation and rule of law.
“We have embarked on a deliberate and sustained investment in infrastructure as a catalyst for economic growth and social inclusion by expanding road networks, modernizing public transport and improving water supply.
“As a priority too, the administration has strengthened security infrastructure through the building of 12 new fully equipped/furnished Divisional Police Headquarters and Officers’ Quarters, (2 each in the 6 Area Councils).”
