FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has pledged to deepen collaboration with Japan, emphasizing the country’s crucial role in accelerating Abuja’s development according to its master plan. The minister made the remarks while receiving Japanese Ambassador Suzuki Hideo and officials from JICA at a courtesy meeting in Abuja. Wike applauded Japan for its consistent engagement in improving […]
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has pledged to deepen collaboration with Japan, emphasizing the country’s crucial role in accelerating Abuja’s development according to its master plan.
The minister made the remarks while receiving Japanese Ambassador Suzuki Hideo and officials from JICA at a courtesy meeting in Abuja.
Wike applauded Japan for its consistent engagement in improving education, health, and nutrition, as well as its partnership with the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) on Abuja’s urban planning. “Your confidence in our administration and commitment to our people’s welfare is highly commendable. Together, we will ensure that these development plans become reality,” he said.
He singled out Japan’s support for teacher training initiatives in Tokyo and infrastructure development for quality education. Wike also highlighted agriculture and urban growth as strategic areas for future cooperation, promising a favorable climate for projects under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.
Ambassador Suzuki acknowledged Abuja’s strategic significance to Nigeria’s progress, noting Japan and JICA’s ongoing contributions in infrastructure, healthcare, and economic development.
Suzuki also outlined current projects in waste management and industrial growth, including a plastics value chain initiative with UNIDO, nearing the pilot handover stage. JICA is actively assisting in updating the Abuja master plan to enhance sustainable urban living and long-term city planning.
JICA Nigeria Chief Representative Ishigame Keiji presented the agency’s support across water, power, health, agriculture, and education sectors, revealing plans to revise the 1979 Master Plan to accommodate population and economic growth through 2050.
“Following the update, we will commence priority infrastructure projects backed by our global experience, reinforcing the enduring Nigeria-Japan partnership,” Keiji stated.