FCT, Finland partner on smart city, infrastructure, agriculture initiatives

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced plans to collaborate with Finland to advance infrastructure, agriculture, and urban management in Abuja.

Nyesom Wike, minister of the FCT, disclosed this on Tuesday during a meeting with Sanna Selin, Finland’s ambassador to Nigeria and permanent representative to ECOWAS.

The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations and exploring technical partnerships aligned with the administration’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.

Highlighting Abuja’s rapid growth, Wike said the territory is eager to learn from international partners. “As a city, we are willing to cooperate with others globally to explore partnerships in infrastructure and agriculture,” he said. “You have already indicated your readiness to support infrastructure development, smart city technology, and green energy. We are willing to collaborate in these areas.”

The minister also reassured the diplomatic community of improved security across the FCT, emphasising the government’s commitment to providing a safe environment for international investors and partners.

Wike invited Finnish firms with expertise in environmental technology to engage with the FCT. “We would welcome discussions with firms that have the capacity to manage waste effectively. This is a priority for us,” he added.

Responding, Selin highlighted growing cooperation between Finland and Nigeria in recent months. “Finland is one of the most digitised countries in the world, and we recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Nigeria on digitalisation and innovation,” she said. “We are also advanced in water and waste management technologies, as well as circular economy solutions.”

She expressed optimism that Finland’s technical expertise could be deployed in Abuja through concrete projects, enhancing both economic and technical collaboration between the two countries.

Meanwhile, Wike has called for closer collaboration with Japan to accelerate the development of the FCT, particularly in urban planning, education, and agriculture.