FCTA partners Qatar, Germany on infrastructural development

…As Wike proposes 10-Year economic sevelopment plan for Nigeria’s Federal Capital

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is set to partner with the governments of Qatar and Germany for the overall development of the nation’s capital.

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FCT Minister, Mr Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, announced this move when he received Ambassadors of both countries separately in his official residence in Abuja on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.

In his discussions with the Ambassador of Qatar, H.E. Yousef Mohammed Ahmed Al-Hail, the Minister declared the FCT Administration’s readiness to partner with Qatar to replicate its world-class urban development models in Nigeria’s capital.

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Commending Qatar’s rapid evolution into a premier global hub for investment, infrastructure, and international events—including its successful hosting of the FIFA World Cup and ongoing high-level collaborations with the World Bank and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the FCT Minister proposed a landmark urban development partnership.

“We want to partner with you to see how we can establish a ‘Doha City’ right here in Abuja. We want to emulate the planning, concepts, and modern infrastructure that Qatar is known for”, the Minister revealed.

Recalling his previous official visit to Qatar during his tenure at the Ministry of Education to study the country’s highly successful Girl-Child Education framework, the Minister praised Qatar’s progressive legal reforms which have created a highly receptive environment for global investors.

To formalize the partnership, the Minister announced that the FCT Administration will collaborate with the Qatari Embassy to coordinate an official bilateral working visit to Qatar.

“We want to visit Qatar to physically inspect their new city designs and planning concepts. Our delegation will be lean—no more than seven people—so we can swiftly interface with your officials, apply for visas, and see firsthand what we can replicate”, Wike stated, adding, “Everything you require to carry out your bilateral duties and businesses here without hindrance, we are going to give you the necessary support”.

Reacting to concerns regarding a purported court order affecting a Qatari property located behind the Russian Embassy, Minister Wike assured the Qatari Government that no court order will hinder the development of its official property in Abuja. He expressed surprise but firmly dismissed any threats to the project. He noted that the site sits within the strictly designated diplomatic zone demarcated by the Federal Government for foreign missions, including European embassies.

“I am shocked to see the letter obtained from the court, but let me state categorically that no court order is stopping you from development”, Wike stated. “It is we who allocated that land to Qatar. I have seen the fence you erected, and I thank you for securing the property. I assure you that you should go ahead and develop; be assured that nothing will happen. We will take swift administrative action against any interference”.

In the same vein, while receiving the Ambassador to Germany, Mr Stefan Rossel, the FCT Minister highlighted the deep-rooted, decades-long economic, cultural, and political relationship between Nigeria and Germany. He reiterated the FCT Administration’s unalloyed commitment to ensuring that the diplomatic community in Abuja enjoys unhindered access to government, guaranteed security, and an enabling environment for their official affairs.

Reflecting on the rapid transformation of the nation’s capital, the Minister noted that prior to the current dispensation, Abuja had veered off the track of a true capital city. However, following a direct marching order from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the narrative has fundamentally changed through aggressive infrastructural deployment and a drastic overhaul of the city’s security architecture.

“Today, Abuja is looking fine. Security has been tremendously improved. We are providing infrastructure and making it look like a premier global city. Our vision for the next ten years is to compete directly with Germany’s finest cities”, Minister Wike stated.

To achieve this ambitious ten-year urban development plan, the FCT Minister proposed strategic bilateral partnerships between Abuja and key German cities, specifically targeting three core sectors, Modern Agriculture, Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Development and Skill Acquisition and Capacity Building.

Addressing the national political and economic landscape, the FCT Minister strongly defended the bold, foundational reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration, such as the removal of the costly fuel subsidy and the decisive move toward establishing state policing to permanently solve security challenges.

Acknowledging current economic pressures, Wike emphasized that true leadership requires taking tough, short-term decisions for long-term national prosperity.

“Yes, things are hard because things were very bad. To put it right, the President must take decisions that will ultimately improve the lives of the people. They may feel harsh now, but in the long run, Nigeria will benefit immensely. No previous leader has been able to handle these legacy issues, but President Tinubu took a firm, bold decision”, the Minister explained.

Both envoys had commended the Minister for the visible physical transformation and enhanced security observed across the FCT, signaling their countries willingness to deepen bilateral cooperation with Nigeria, urging for the sharing of ideas on new ways to improve infrastructure and build smart cities.

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