The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday sought strategic development partnerships with German cities, particularly in agriculture, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and youth skills acquisition.
Wike made the remarks when the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Stefan Rössel, visited him in Abuja.
Welcoming the envoy, the minister highlighted the decades-long economic, cultural and political ties between Nigeria and Germany.
He reaffirmed the FCT Administration’s commitment to transforming Abuja into a world-class capital city capable of competing with global metropolises such as Berlin, Munich and Washington, D.C.
He said the administration was working to create a conducive and secure environment for diplomatic missions and foreign investors.
Reflecting on the capital’s recent trajectory, Wike noted that before the current administration, Abuja had drifted from its original status as a capital city, particularly in terms of security and urban infrastructure.
“However, under the mandate of the current administration, significant strides have been made to rewrite that narrative.
“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,” he said.
Addressing national socio-economic policies, Wike defended the ongoing reforms of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, including moves towards decentralisation and state policing to tackle insecurity.
Acknowledging the current economic hardships, Wike called for patience, stressing that structural reforms require time to deliver lasting prosperity.
“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.
“The reforms and programmes currently underway will ultimately improve lives across the country,” he said.
Earlier, Rössel praised the 66-year diplomatic relationship between Germany and Nigeria and expressed enthusiasm for deepening bilateral cooperation.
Commending the visible changes across the territory, the envoy acknowledged the physical development in Abuja and the broader national reform agenda.
“As a new ambassador, it is immediately visible that this country is on the move.
“These courageous reforms taken by the government require time to translate into jobs and welfare, but Germany has always supported these efforts and will continue to do so,” he said.
The envoy further indicated that the German Embassy and European Union member states were eager to collaborate with the FCT Administration on urban planning, infrastructure development and city governance.
“Germany will continue to support Nigeria’s current economic and security policy initiatives,” he said.
