The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has invited countries in the European Union to build stronger partnerships with Abuja through investments, cultural exchange, and other areas that can support growth in Nigeria.
He made this call on Tuesday while meeting with EU ambassadors at the EU House in Abuja. Wike said the FCT Administration is ready to work closely with European countries to drive development and create more opportunities in the capital city.
The meeting was led by Gautier Mignot, who described the EU as Nigeria’s biggest trade and investment partner. Diplomats from several European countries, including France, Germany, Spain, Sweden, and others, were present.
Speaking during the discussion, Wike explained that Abuja is open for business and offers many opportunities for investors. He highlighted key sectors such as housing, tourism, agriculture, entertainment, waste management, and natural resources as areas where foreign partners can invest.
He also thanked the EU for its continued support to Nigeria and said the government is focused on building a stable and prosperous environment that benefits both citizens and investors.
According to him, the FCT Administration is placing strong attention on infrastructure, security, healthcare, education, and social services. He said projects are already ongoing to improve roads, public transport, and water supply in Abuja, which he described as important for economic growth.
Wike added that security has also been strengthened with the construction of new police facilities across the area councils to improve safety for residents and businesses.
On Nigeria’s political system, he noted that recent reforms are helping to improve the credibility of elections and governance. He said more people now rely on legal processes to resolve political disputes instead of violence, showing growing confidence in the country’s institutions.
He also spoke about the amended Electoral Act, explaining that while electronic transmission of results is allowed, manual methods can still be used in cases where technology fails.
Wike stressed that opposition in a democratic system should focus on offering better ideas rather than creating conflict, adding that Nigeria’s democracy is gradually becoming more stable.
He further noted that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the government is focusing more on competence and results rather than ethnic or religious considerations.
The minister said the current administration is implementing major economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy, changes in foreign exchange policy, and tax reforms to boost government revenue.
He added that social support programmes, such as cash transfers, student loans, and assistance for small businesses, have also been introduced to help citizens cope with economic challenges.
Wike admitted that Nigeria still faces security issues like insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping, partly linked to instability in the Sahel region. However, he assured that the government is working hard to address these problems through better coordination among security agencies and increased use of intelligence and technology.
He concluded by saying that with stronger partnerships, especially with the EU, Abuja and Nigeria as a whole can achieve faster development and long-term stability.