Wike Urges Germany to Invest in Abuja’s ICT, Agric Programmes

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has called on Germany to partner with the FCT Administration in agriculture, information and communications technology (ICT), and youth skills development.

Wike made the appeal on Tuesday in Abuja while receiving the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Stefan Rössel, for discussions on bilateral relations and possible areas of cooperation.

Welcoming the ambassador, the minister recalled the longstanding economic, cultural and political ties between Nigeria and Germany. He also restated the administration’s ambition to develop Abuja into a world-class capital capable of competing with cities such as Berlin, Munich and Washington, DC.

Wike said the government was working to create a secure and conducive environment for diplomatic missions, businesses and foreign investors.

Reflecting on Abuja’s development, he said the capital had faced challenges relating to security and urban infrastructure before the current administration took office. He maintained that efforts were now being made to improve security, upgrade the environment and deliver road projects across the territory.

The minister expressed confidence that continued investment in infrastructure and better urban management would help Abuja achieve its development goals.

Wike also defended the economic and security reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, including proposals for decentralisation and state police as part of efforts to address insecurity.

Acknowledging the economic difficulties facing Nigerians, he urged patience, arguing that structural reforms might take time before their benefits become fully apparent.

He maintained that difficult decisions were sometimes necessary to achieve lasting improvements in the economy and the welfare of citizens, adding that the government expected its ongoing policies and programmes to improve living conditions over time.

In his remarks, Rössel praised the longstanding diplomatic relationship between Germany and Nigeria, which has lasted 66 years, and expressed his country’s interest in strengthening cooperation.

The ambassador acknowledged the visible infrastructure developments in Abuja and said the government’s wider economic reforms would require time to translate into employment opportunities and improved welfare.

He reaffirmed Germany’s willingness to support Nigeria’s reform efforts and indicated that the German Embassy, alongside European Union member states, was interested in working with the FCT Administration on urban planning, infrastructure development and city governance.

Rössel said continued engagement between both sides could help strengthen cooperation in areas relevant to Abuja’s development and Nigeria’s broader economic and security objectives.