Nigeria, Japan deepen partnership to upgrade Abuja’s 1979 masterplan for 2050

Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has said Nigeria is set to deepen its partnership with Japan to upgrade Abuja’s 1979 Master Plan, aligning the city’s development with projected needs up to 2050.

Wike stated this on Tuesday in Abuja during a courtesy visit led by Suzuki Hideo, Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria,who was accompanied by officials of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The minister commended Japan’s role in supporting the development and review of the Abuja Master Plan, describing it as pivotal 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 FCT. You have contributed to education, health, nutrition, and other critical sectors that directly impact our people. Your collaboration with the FCDA on the Abuja Master Plan is very key for us. We will continue to work with you to ensure this is actualised,” Wike said.

He also highlighted Japan’s contributions to Nigeria’s education sector, including teacher training programmes in Tokyo and support for quality learning infrastructure. “This support is vital for improving our education system,” he added.

Wike identified agriculture and urban development as priority areas for future collaboration, assuring the Japanese delegation that the FCT Administration would provide an enabling environment for sustained partnership.

“We will partner with you, particularly in agriculture and city development, to ensure that the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President becomes a reality,” he said.

Ambassador Suzuki reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to Nigeria’s development, noting Abuja’s central role as the country’s political and administrative capital.

“The development of Abuja is crucial for driving Nigeria’s progress.

Japan and JICA have been implementing projects in infrastructure, healthcare, and economic development,” he said, citing ongoing initiatives in waste management and industrial development, including a plastics value chain project in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

Suzuki added that JICA is actively supporting the upgrade of the Abuja Master Plan to improve residents’ quality of life and ensure sustainable urban growth.

Also speaking, Ishigame Keiji, Chief Representative of JICA Nigeria, outlined the Agency’s interventions across water, power, health, agriculture, and education sectors.

He said JICA is helping update Abuja’s 1979 Master Plan to align with projected development needs up to 2050, focusing on infrastructure expansion, economic growth, and climate resilience.

Keiji added that the agency is ready to implement priority infrastructure projects once the updated plan is completed, leveraging its global experience in large-scale development initiatives.

He also noted the longstanding diplomatic and development ties between Nigeria and Japan, stressing that both sides are committed to strengthening cooperation to support sustainable growth in the FCT.