The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has praised the Japan International Cooperation Agency for its continued collaboration in reviewing and upgrading the Abuja Master Plan. Wike gave the commendation on Tuesday while receiving a Japanese delegation led by Suzuki Hideo during a courtesy visit to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) in Abuja. The minister expressed appreciation for the enduring partnership between Nigeria and Japan, noting that Japan’s historic role in designing Abuja makes it a critical partner in the city’s modernization efforts. He stressed the importance of JICA’s technical support to the Federal Capital Development Authority in advancing the review process.
“About one year ago, we held a meeting concerning the review of the Abuja Master Plan, and I’ve been informed that you are working closely with the FCDA and their team. That is very key for us because I do know the design was done by Japan, and there is a need to look at it again in order to carry out other infrastructural developments,” Wike said, pledging continued cooperation to ensure successful implementation. Drawing from his previous role as Minister of State for Education, Wike also commended Japan’s investment in human capital development, particularly training programmes that enabled Nigerian teachers to receive professional development in Tokyo. He further acknowledged JICA’s expanding interventions in health, nutrition and agriculture within the FCT. “As the FCT Minister, I’ve come in contact with so many things you have been doing… I want to sincerely commend you for having confidence in the government of Nigeria and, in particular, the FCT Administration,” he said, adding that the administration would provide an enabling environment to realise the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Earlier, Ambassador Suzuki said JICA was finalising new projects focused on improving nutrition and upgrading infrastructure. He highlighted Japan’s interest in supporting Nigeria to develop sustainable models for agriculture and livestock development as a pathway to enhanced national nutrition.
The ambassador also reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to the Abuja Master Plan review, noting that the initiative would address key urban challenges, including mobility, drainage systems and the transition toward a smart city. In a presentation, JICA’s Chief Representative, Ishigami Keiji, disclosed that the master plan review had reached a critical stage, assuring that the agency remained committed to building a sustainable and resilient Federal Capital Territory.
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