Minister Nyesom Wike has appealed to European Union nations to invest heavily in Abuja. He wants deeper partnerships in culture, business, and development with the Federal Capital Territory Administration.
Wike made the call during a Tuesday meeting at EU House in Abuja. He addressed heads of mission from across the bloc.
The gathering was chaired by Ambassador Gautier Mignot. He heads the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS.
Sixteen EU countries sent envoys to the meeting. Italy, Austria, Ireland, France, Hungary, Germany, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Finland, Belgium, Sweden, Spain, Czech Republic and Denmark were represented.
Ambassador Mignot introduced Wike as a key partner for growth. He noted the EU remains Nigeria's top trade and investment source.
Speaking to the envoys, Wike outlined FCTA's core priorities as government. He also highlighted business opportunities across the territory.
Real estate, entertainment, tourism, agriculture and solid minerals topped his list. Waste management also features as an investment avenue, he said.
"I thank the European Union Delegation for the invitation and partnership," Wike told the ambassadors. "Today I'll highlight our priority areas and Nigeria's political direction."
According to him, the administration prioritizes urban and rural expansion. Infrastructure, security, education, health and land reforms drive policy.
Wike noted that government has invested heavily in roads and transport. Water supply systems have been modernized across the territory.
Security improvements include 12 new divisional police headquarters. Each of the six area councils received two fully equipped facilities.
Envoys asked Wike several questions during the session. He fielded them on electoral reforms and Nigeria's democratic progress.
He defended the amended Electoral Act as governance reform. The law strengthens electoral integrity and credibility, he argued.
Nigeria's growing use of courts to settle disputes shows democratic maturity. Political parties now resort to legal means rather than violence, Wike noted.
He explained the new electoral framework allows electronic result transmission. Manual transmission serves as backup where technology fails.
"The 2022 Electoral Act had no such backup provision," Wike clarified. "We've learned from experience and made necessary adjustments."
Wike emphasized that Nigeria's peculiar challenges required flexible solutions. One-size-fits-all approaches won't work in Africa's most populous nation.
He outlined how the FCTA remains business-friendly despite challenges. Investors find a stable environment for long-term ventures here.
The minister pledged continued collaboration with EU member states. Partnership would drive development across the Federal Capital Territory.
Wike drew inspiration from President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda. That vision guides his administration's strategic direction, he said.
EU representatives expressed interest in specific investment opportunities. Several sought clarification on regulatory frameworks and procedures.
The meeting lasted several hours, reflecting strong engagement. Both sides committed to deeper ties moving forward.
