Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has expressed the commitment of FCT Administration (FCTA) to deeper and stronger collaboration with the Japanese government for its sustained investment in Nigeria’s development and to fast-track the transformation of Abuja in line with its Master Plan.
The Minister gave the assurance in Abuja during a courtesy visit of the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Suzuki Hideo, alongside officials of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to his office.
Barrister Wike specifically lauded Japan’s role in the development and review of the Abuja Master Plan, describing it as critical to the city’s long-term growth.
“I want to sincerely commend you for having confidence in the government of Nigeria and in particular the Federal Capital Territory.
“You have contributed to education, health, nutrition and other critical sectors that impact directly on our people.
“You have been working closely with the FCDA on the Abuja Master Plan. That is very key for us. We will continue to cooperate with you to ensure that this is actualised,” Wike stated.
The Minister also acknowledged Japan’s interventions in Nigeria’s education sector, including training programmes for teachers and support for quality learning infrastructure.
“We have seen the support in education, including training of our teachers in Tokyo. This is very important to improving our education sector,” he said.
The Minister identified agriculture and urban development as priority areas for future collaboration, assuring the Japanese delegation of FCTA’s readiness to provide an enabling environment for sustained partnership.
He added: “We will partner with you, particularly in agriculture and city development, to ensure that the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President becomes a reality.”
On his part, Ambassador Hideo reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to Nigeria’s development, noting that Abuja remained central to the country’s progress as its political and administrative capital.
“The development of Abuja is crucial for driving Nigeria’s progress. Japan and JICA have been implementing various projects in infrastructure, healthcare, and economic development,” he said.
The top diplomat disclosed that Japan was also advancing projects in waste management and industrial development, including a plastics value chain initiative in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), with a pilot facility set for handover.
The envoy further highlighted ongoing efforts to upgrade the Abuja Master Plan through JICA, aimed at improving residents’ quality of life and supporting sustainable urban growth.
Also speaking, the Chief Representative of JICA Nigeria Office, Ishigame Keiji, outlined the agency’s wide-ranging interventions across water, power, health, agriculture, and education sectors in the FCT.
He revealed that JICA was supporting the review of Abuja’s 1979 Master Plan to align with the city’s development needs up to 2050, focusing on infrastructure expansion, economic growth, and climate resilience.
According to him, the agency was also ready to move into priority infrastructure development once the updated plan was completed, backed by its global experience in executing large-scale projects.
Keiji recalled the longstanding diplomatic and development ties between Nigeria and Japan, with both sides expressing commitment to strengthening cooperation for sustainable growth in the FCT.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Wike (r) and Amb. Hideo during the courtesy call.
