Wike, Japan Strengthen Partnership On Abuja Master Plan, Infrastructure

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr Nyesom Wike, has pledged sustained collaboration with Japan to advance the Abuja Master Plan and critical infrastructure development.

He gave the assurance while receiving the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Suzuki Hideo, alongside representatives of the Japan International Cooperation Agency in Abuja.

Describing the partnership as impactful and long-standing, Mr Wike commended Japan’s consistent support across key sectors, and noted that JICA’s interventions have significantly boosted education, healthcare, agriculture, and nutrition in Nigeria.

The Minister assured that the FCT Administration remains committed to strengthening ties for mutual development.

Wike who noted that ongoing review of the Abuja Master Plan will align it with current realities and future growth, disclosed that JICA is working closely with the Federal Capital Development Authority to update the plan for enhanced infrastructure delivery.

Wike Pointed out that the review is critical to achieving sustainable urban development in the nation’s capital.

He appreciated Japan’s role in training Nigerian professionals, especially teachers, through exchange programmes in Tokyo, adding that such capacity-building initiatives are vital for national progress.

Earlier, the Japanese Ambassador, Suzuki Hideo, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to Nigeria’s development, particularly in Abuja as the nation’s administrative hub.

The Ambassador said JICA projects in the FCT span infrastructure, healthcare, electricity, and innovation hubs for startups.

He also announced a plastic waste management initiative in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization.

In his presentation, Chief Representative of JICA Nigeria Office, Ishigame Keiji, revealed that JICA has implemented major projects, including power infrastructure valued at over 20 million dollars to strengthen electricity transmission.

He added that ongoing initiatives cover water supply, waste management, healthcare systems, agriculture, and digital education.

According to him, these projects are designed to improve livelihoods, create jobs, and enhance urban living standards.

He stressed JICA’s readiness to scale up infrastructure development once the Abuja Master Plan update is completed.

On the Master Plan review, Ishigame explained that the project aims to modernize the 1979 framework to meet Abuja’s needs up to the year 2050.

He said the initiative focuses on economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion, including poverty reduction and gender equality.

Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to sustained cooperation, with Japan expressing readiness to support Abuja’s transformation into a resilient and globally competitive capital city.

While the Japanese government extended an invitation to the FCT Minister to visit Japan for further high-level engagements; Wike welcomed the invitation, assuring that the FCT will continue to provide an enabling environment for development partners.

Remi Johnson, Edited By Grace Namiji