Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has urged European Union (EU) member states to deepen investment partnerships with Nigeria, calling for stronger economic, cultural, and developmental collaboration aimed at boosting growth in Abuja and across the country.
Wike made the appeal on Tuesday during a meeting with EU Heads of Mission at the European Union House in Abuja, where he emphasized the importance of sustained engagement between the FCTA and European partners.
He described Abuja as a growing business-friendly capital and outlined several key sectors open for investment, including real estate, housing, tourism, agriculture, solid minerals, entertainment, and waste management.
The minister expressed appreciation for the EU’s continued support and highlighted Nigeria’s commitment under President Bola Tinubu’s administration to strengthening international partnerships for development, stability, and prosperity.
Wike explained that the FCT Administration has prioritised infrastructure development, security, education, healthcare, land administration reforms, and revenue generation as key focus areas. He noted ongoing investments in road expansion, public transport upgrades, and water supply systems aimed at driving economic and social inclusion.
He also revealed that the administration has strengthened security infrastructure with the construction of 12 new divisional police headquarters and residential quarters across the six area councils of the FCT.
Speaking on governance reforms, Wike pointed to amendments in Nigeria’s Electoral Act, noting provisions for electronic transmission of results while also allowing manual transmission in cases of technical failure due to local challenges.
He added that Nigeria’s democratic system is gradually maturing, with increasing reliance on legal and constitutional processes to resolve political disputes rather than violence or self-help.
According to him, the current political climate under President Tinubu reflects improved cooperation between the executive and legislature, which he described as “partners in progress” focused on national development.
Wike further stated that opposition politics should be constructive, aimed at offering alternatives and strengthening governance rather than creating instability.
The meeting, chaired by EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, brought together diplomats from several European countries, including Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Belgium, and others. The EU delegation reaffirmed its position as Nigeria’s leading trade and investment partner.
