Nyesom Wike, Nigeria's Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, wants the European Union to invest more in the nation's capital. He made the appeal during a Tuesday meeting with EU envoys in Abuja.
Wike told the diplomats that the FCT welcomes deeper ties with international partners. His focus areas include infrastructure, security, culture and business expansion.
Ambassador Gautier Mignot led the gathering at EU House. Envoys from Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Belgium, Sweden and Ireland attended the session.
Mignot noted that the EU ranks as Nigeria's biggest trade and investment partner. He said Brussels remains committed to supporting governance and economic improvements.
According to Wike, President Tinubu's administration is reshaping the territory. Priorities include better roads, stronger security, land reforms, schools and hospitals.
Abuja has emerged as an attractive investment hub, he argued. Real estate, housing, transport and agriculture offer solid opportunities for European investors.
The minister highlighted infrastructure spending to boost economic activity across communities. Road expansion, transport networks and water systems have all received funding.
Security improvements include 12 new police divisional headquarters spread across six area councils. Officers' accommodation has also been constructed in these locations.
On governance, Wike pointed to electoral reforms allowing electronic result transmission. Manual backup processes remain available where needed, he explained.
Democratic institutions are maturing, the official added. Nigerians increasingly use constitutional and legal channels to settle political disputes.
Wike argued that opposition parties must propose solutions instead of causing chaos. He stressed that political competition now centres on capability and ideas.
Relations between the executive and parliament have strengthened considerably. Both branches now collaborate effectively on policy and programme delivery.
Economic reforms have included fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate adjustments. Tax reforms aim to boost government revenue and fiscal stability.
The government has rolled out cash transfer programmes to protect vulnerable citizens. Small business grants and student loan schemes are also in place.
Nigeria still grapples with terrorism in the north and kidnapping nationwide. Banditry and ethnic clashes remain persistent security threats, Wike acknowledged.
Federal authorities are responding through better intelligence work and inter-agency teamwork. Technology deployment is helping security forces tackle these challenges.
Wike promised continued cooperation with the EU on territorial development. Partnership with international allies will drive growth and stability in the FCT, he concluded.
