Nyesom Wike has reaffirmed the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s commitment to deeper collaboration with the Japan to accelerate the transformation of Abuja in line with its master plan.
Wike gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by Japan’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Suzuki Hideo, alongside officials of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Abuja.
The minister commended Japan’s longstanding support for the development and review of the Abuja Master Plan, describing the partnership as critical to the city’s long-term growth and infrastructure planning.
“You have contributed to education, health, nutrition, and other critical sectors that directly impact our people. You have been working closely with the FCDA on the Abuja Master Plan. That is very key for us,” Wike said.
He also acknowledged Japan’s interventions in Nigeria’s education sector, including teacher training programmes in Tokyo and support for learning infrastructure, describing them as vital to improving education quality.
Wike identified agriculture and urban development as priority areas for future cooperation and assured the delegation of the administration’s readiness to provide an enabling environment for sustained partnership under the Renewed Hope Agenda of Bola Tinubu.
In his remarks, Ambassador Hideo reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to Nigeria’s development, noting that Abuja remains central to the country’s political and administrative progress. He highlighted ongoing Japanese-supported projects in infrastructure, healthcare, and economic development, as well as new initiatives in waste management and industrial development, including a plastics value chain project with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
Also speaking, Ishigame Keiji said JICA is supporting the review of Abuja’s 1979 Master Plan to align with development needs up to 2050, with a focus on infrastructure expansion, economic growth, and climate resilience.
Keiji added that the agency is prepared to support priority infrastructure projects once the updated plan is completed, underscoring Japan’s continued commitment to strengthening development cooperation with Nigeria.
