By Abuja, Nigeria
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has praised the Japan International Cooperation Agency for its continued partnership in the review and upgrade of the Abuja Master Plan.
Wike gave the commendation while receiving a Japanese delegation led by Ambassador Suzuki Hideo at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Secretariat in Abuja. He described JICA’s collaboration with the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) as crucial to ongoing efforts to modernise the nation’s capital, noting that Japan’s role in the original design of Abuja makes it a vital partner in its redevelopment.
Wike also applauded Japan’s broader contributions to Nigeria’s development, particularly in education, health, nutrition, and agriculture. He recalled past training programmes that enabled Nigerian teachers to travel to Tokyo for professional development, adding that such initiatives have had lasting impact.
The minister assured the delegation of the FCT Administration’s continued support, stressing that the partnership aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Earlier, Ambassador Suzuki Hideo disclosed that JICA is finalising new projects focused on improving nutrition and upgrading infrastructure. He added that Japan remains committed to supporting agricultural and livestock development as part of efforts to enhance food security.
The envoy further reaffirmed Japan’s support for the Abuja Master Plan review, which is expected to address key areas such as urban mobility, drainage systems, and the city’s transition into a smart capital.
In his remarks, JICA’s Chief Representative, Ishigami Keiji, said the review process has reached a critical stage in 2026, with a strong focus on building a sustainable and resilient Abuja.
