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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to forging stronger ties with Japan, aiming to fast-track Abuja’s development in line with its master plan.
Wike gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Suzuki Hideo, and officials from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
The minister praised Japan’s pivotal role in developing and reviewing the Abuja Master Plan, describing it as essential for the city’s long-term growth. “I want to sincerely commend you for having confidence in the government of Nigeria and in particular the Federal Capital Territory,” Wike said.
“You have contributed to education, health, nutrition, and other critical sectors that impact directly on our people. You have been working closely with the FCDA on the Abuja Master Plan. That is very key for us. We will continue to cooperate with you to ensure that this is actualised.”
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He highlighted Japan’s support in education, including teacher training programmes in Tokyo and infrastructure for quality learning. Wike identified agriculture and urban development as priority areas for future collaboration, promising an enabling environment to realise President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Suzuki echoed the sentiment, stressing Abuja’s centrality to Nigeria’s progress. “The development of Abuja is crucial for driving Nigeria’s progress. Japan and JICA have been implementing various projects in infrastructure, healthcare, and economic development,” he stated.
He disclosed ongoing initiatives in waste management and industrial development, including a plastics value chain project with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), with a pilot facility nearing handover. He also noted JICA’s efforts to upgrade the Abuja Master Plan for improved residents’ quality of life and sustainable urban growth.
JICA Nigeria Chief Representative Ishigame Keiji outlined the agency’s broad interventions in water, power, health, agriculture, and education within the FCT. He revealed support for reviewing the 1979 Master Plan to meet needs up to 2050, emphasising infrastructure expansion, economic growth, and climate resilience.
“Once the updated plan is completed, we are ready to move into priority infrastructure development, backed by our global experience in large-scale projects,” Keiji said, underscoring the enduring Nigeria-Japan partnership for sustainable FCT growth.
