The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has called for stronger development partnerships between Abuja and German cities, with emphasis on agriculture, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), youth skills acquisition and urban development.
Wike made the appeal on Tuesday in Abuja when the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Stefan Rössel, paid him a visit.
The minister said collaboration with Germany would support the FCT Administration’s efforts to transform Abuja into a world-class capital city capable of competing with leading global cities, including Berlin, Munich and Washington, D.C.
He emphasised the importance of creating a secure and conducive environment for diplomatic missions, international organisations and foreign investors to operate.
Wike highlighted the longstanding economic, cultural and political relations between Nigeria and Germany, expressing the FCT Administration’s readiness to strengthen the partnership through practical development initiatives.
Assessing Abuja’s development under the current administration, the minister said significant progress had been made in improving security, the urban environment and road infrastructure.
He noted that the capital had previously experienced challenges in maintaining its status as a modern administrative centre but said ongoing projects were helping to change the situation.
“Our vision is to see Abuja become one of the best cities in the world. With the mandate to change the narrative, security and the environment have improved, and road infrastructure is being actively delivered,” Wike said.
The minister urged Germany to explore opportunities for collaboration in agriculture, ICT and vocational training, particularly programmes that would equip young people with practical skills and improve their economic prospects.
He said partnerships with German cities could also support the FCT’s broader urban planning, infrastructure development and governance objectives.
Wike also defended the economic and security reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, including efforts towards decentralisation and state policing as part of measures to address insecurity.
Acknowledging the economic difficulties facing Nigerians, he urged citizens to exercise patience, arguing that structural reforms required time to produce sustainable benefits.
“Leadership is about taking bold decisions for long-term benefit. Things may be harsh now for a short while, but in the long run, the people will reap the benefits,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the ongoing reforms and government programmes would eventually improve living conditions and expand economic opportunities across the country.
Germany Pledges Continued Support
Earlier, the German ambassador reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Nigeria, noting that the two countries had maintained diplomatic ties for 66 years.
Rössel commended the visible development taking place in Abuja and expressed interest in expanding cooperation between Germany and the FCT Administration.
He said the progress recorded in the territory reflected broader changes taking place in Nigeria, adding that the country’s economic and security reforms required time to translate into improved employment opportunities and public welfare.
“As a new ambassador, it is immediately visible that this country is on the move,” Rössel said.
He assured the Nigerian government of Germany’s continued support for ongoing economic and security policy initiatives.
The envoy also disclosed that the German Embassy, alongside other European Union member states, was interested in collaborating with the FCT Administration in urban planning, infrastructure development and city governance.
“Germany will continue to support Nigeria’s current economic and security policy initiatives,” he said.
The meeting highlighted opportunities for Nigeria and Germany to deepen cooperation at the subnational level, particularly in areas that could promote investment, strengthen urban development and expand opportunities for young people in the Federal Capital Territory.
