The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has called for stronger investment ties between Nigeria and European countries, urging deeper collaboration in infrastructure, real estate, agriculture, and other sectors to drive development in Abuja and across the country.
Wike made the appeal on Tuesday while addressing EU Heads of Mission at the European Union House in Abuja, where he emphasised the need for expanded cultural and economic partnerships under Nigeria’s development agenda.
He noted that the FCT remains a business-friendly environment with significant investment opportunities, particularly in housing, tourism, solid minerals, waste management, and entertainment.
“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,” Wike said.
He highlighted key priorities of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), including infrastructure expansion, security enhancement, education, healthcare, land reforms, and improved revenue generation.
According to him, the administration has embarked on major infrastructure projects, including road expansion, modernised transport systems, and improved water supply to stimulate economic growth and social inclusion.
Wike also disclosed that 12 new divisional police headquarters, along with officers’ quarters, are being constructed across the six area councils of the FCT to strengthen security architecture.
During the engagement, he also spoke on governance reforms under President Bola Tinubu, noting that Nigeria’s political system is gradually evolving towards greater stability and institutional cooperation.
The minister described ongoing reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda as bold steps aimed at repositioning the economy and improving citizens’ welfare.
“In the newly amended Electoral Act, there is provision for electronic transmission of results… but also allowance for manual transmission where necessary due to peculiarities,” he said.
He further stressed that opposition politics should focus on offering alternatives rather than promoting instability, adding that Nigeria’s democratic culture is gradually maturing with increased reliance on legal and institutional dispute resolution.
Wike also noted improved relations between the executive and legislative arms of government, describing them as “partners-in-progress” in policy implementation and national development.
The meeting, chaired by EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, included envoys from several European countries. Mignot described the EU as Nigeria’s foremost trade and investment partner.
The engagement underscores ongoing diplomatic efforts to attract foreign investment and strengthen cooperation between Nigeria and the European Union.
