The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has called for stronger partnerships with German cities to boost investment in information and communications technology, agriculture and youth skills development in Abuja.
Wike made the appeal on Tuesday in Abuja while receiving the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Stefan Rössel, stressing that collaboration with Germany would support the FCT Administration’s drive to transform the nation’s capital into a globally competitive city.
The minister said Nigeria and Germany had maintained longstanding economic, political and cultural relations, adding that the FCT was ready to explore areas of mutual interest that would promote development and create opportunities for residents.
He said the administration was working to improve security, roads and the urban environment to position Abuja alongside leading world capitals, including Berlin, Munich and Washington, DC, while providing a safe atmosphere for diplomatic missions and foreign investors.
Wike recalled that Abuja had faced challenges in maintaining its status as a modern capital before the current administration, but said ongoing projects and security improvements were helping to change the situation.
On the Federal Government’s economic policies, the minister defended President Bola Tinubu’s reforms, including proposals for decentralised security arrangements and state police, arguing that difficult decisions were sometimes necessary to achieve lasting progress.
He acknowledged the economic difficulties confronting Nigerians but urged patience, expressing optimism that the reforms would eventually improve living conditions and create broader economic benefits.
Earlier, Rössel praised the longstanding diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Germany, expressing his country’s readiness to deepen cooperation with the FCT Administration in urban planning, infrastructure and city management. He said Germany would continue to support Nigeria’s economic and security reforms, noting that their benefits would take time to translate into improved jobs and welfare.