The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has called for strategic partnerships with German cities to boost investment in agriculture, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and youth skills development in Abuja.
Wike made the call on Tuesday in Abuja during a visit by the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Stefan Rössel.
The minister highlighted the longstanding economic, cultural, and political relations between Nigeria and Germany, reaffirming the FCT administration’s commitment to transforming Abuja into a world-class capital city comparable to Berlin, Munich, and Washington, D.C.
He said the administration was working to improve security, infrastructure, and the urban environment to create a conducive atmosphere for diplomatic missions and foreign investors.
According to Wike, Abuja had experienced setbacks in security and infrastructure before the current administration, but efforts were now underway to restore its status as a leading capital city.
“Our vision is to see Abuja become one of the best cities in the world. With the mandate to change the narrative, security and the environment have improved, and road infrastructure is being actively delivered,” he said.
On national economic policies, Wike defended the reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, including proposals for decentralisation and state policing as part of efforts to address insecurity.
While acknowledging the economic challenges facing Nigerians, the minister urged patience, noting that structural reforms require time to deliver sustainable economic growth and improved living standards.
Earlier, Rössel commended the longstanding diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and Germany, which spans 66 years, and expressed his country’s readiness to deepen bilateral cooperation.
The ambassador acknowledged the ongoing infrastructure development in Abuja and the broader economic reforms in Nigeria, noting that their benefits would take time to translate into employment opportunities and improved welfare.
He also expressed the German Embassy’s and European Union member states’ interest in collaborating with the FCT Administration on urban planning, infrastructure development, and city governance.
Rössel reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s economic and security policy initiatives, expressing optimism about further strengthening cooperation between the two countries.