The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced the administration’s intention to strengthen cooperation with the Japanese government to support sustained investment and accelerate development in Abuja. The plan aims to align with the city’s master plan and ensure long-term growth.
Wike shared this during a meeting in Abuja with the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Suzuki Hideo, and officials from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). He noted Japan’s role in shaping and reviewing the Abuja Master Plan, which guides the city’s urban development, and expressed gratitude for Japan’s support in education, healthcare, and other essential sectors.
The FCT Minister identified agriculture and urban development as priority areas for future collaboration. He assured the Japanese delegation that the FCT Administration would provide the necessary environment for successful partnerships. Wike described these efforts as part of the broader agenda to implement the government’s developmental goals in the territory.
Ambassador Suzuki reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to Nigeria’s progress and said that the development of Abuja is central to the country’s growth. He explained that Japan and JICA are involved in projects spanning infrastructure, healthcare, economic development, waste management, and industrial initiatives, including a plastics value chain project in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
JICA’s Chief Representative in Nigeria, Ishigame Keiji, outlined the agency’s extensive work in the FCT across water, power, health, agriculture, and education sectors. He revealed that JICA is assisting with updating Abuja’s 1979 Master Plan to meet the city’s needs up to 2050, focusing on infrastructure, economic growth, and climate resilience. The agency is prepared to support priority infrastructure projects once the updated plan is finalized.
Both sides stressed their commitment to continuing the longstanding diplomatic and development partnership between Nigeria and Japan to promote sustainable growth in the Federal Capital Territory.