Wike seeks EU partnership on infrastructure, security, investment in FCT

Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has called for stronger investment and development partnerships between the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and European Union (EU) member states, focusing on infrastructure, security, cultural exchange and economic growth.

Wike made the call on Tuesday during a meeting with EU Heads of Mission at the European Union House in Abuja, where he said the FCT is open to deeper collaboration with international partners to support development.

The meeting, chaired by Ambassador Gautier Mignot,head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), brought together envoys from countries including Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Belgium, Sweden and Ireland.

Mignot said the EU remains Nigeria’s leading trade and investment partner and reaffirmed ongoing cooperation on governance and economic reforms.

Wike said the FCT, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, is prioritising infrastructure, security, land administration reform, education, healthcare and revenue generation.

He said Abuja remains a key investment destination, with opportunities in real estate, housing, transport, tourism, agriculture, solid minerals and waste management.

“We have invested in infrastructure to support economic activity and inclusion, including expansion of road networks, transport systems and water supply,” he said.

He added that the FCTA has strengthened security infrastructure with the construction of 12 divisional police headquarters and officers’ quarters across the six area councils.

On governance reforms, Wike said improvements in the electoral and institutional framework include provisions for electronic transmission of results, while allowing manual processes where necessary.

He said democracy in Nigeria is strengthening, with increasing use of constitutional and judicial processes for resolving disputes.

He also said opposition should focus on offering alternatives rather than destabilising the system, adding that political engagement is increasingly based on competence.

Wike said relations between the executive and legislature have improved, with both arms working together on policy and implementation.

On economic reforms, he cited subsidy removal, foreign exchange unification and tax reforms aimed at improving fiscal stability and revenue generation.

He also mentioned social programmes such as cash transfers, support for small and medium enterprises, and student loan schemes to reduce the impact of reforms on vulnerable groups.

On security, Wike said Nigeria continues to face challenges including terrorism in the Sahel, banditry, kidnapping and communal conflicts.

He said government is responding through improved intelligence gathering, inter-agency coordination and use of technology.

Wike reaffirmed the FCTA’s commitment to continued engagement with the EU and other development partners to support growth and stability in the FCT.