By Our Correspondent

National News – The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday called for stronger cooperation between Nigeria and Japan to accelerate development in the Federal Capital Territory, particularly in urban planning, agriculture, and education.

Wike made the appeal on March 24, 2026, while receiving the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Suzuki Hideo, alongside officials of the Japan International Cooperation Agency at his official residence in Abuja.

During the meeting, Wike praised Japan’s continued support for Nigeria’s development efforts and acknowledged its role in improving key sectors that affect citizens’ daily lives.

According to him, Japan has made significant contributions to education, healthcare, and nutrition projects across the country, including the FCT.

The minister highlighted Japan’s involvement in updating the Abuja Master Plan, describing the collaboration as essential for the capital city’s long-term growth.

He explained that the ongoing review of the master plan will guide infrastructure expansion, urban organisation, and sustainable development in the capital over the coming decades.

Wike also pointed to Japan’s contributions to the education sector, especially teacher training programmes held in Tokyo.

He noted that Nigerian teachers who participated in the programmes gained skills that could help improve teaching standards and strengthen learning outcomes in schools across the territory.

Looking ahead, the minister emphasised agriculture and city development as priority areas where deeper cooperation could deliver significant results.

He assured the Japanese delegation that the FCT Administration would continue to create an enabling environment for foreign partnerships and development initiatives.

In response, Ambassador Suzuki reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s progress.

He stated that the development of Abuja remains important to Nigeria’s broader economic advancement and confirmed that Japan and JICA have implemented projects spanning infrastructure, healthcare, and economic growth.

Suzuki further disclosed that new initiatives are underway, including a plastics value-chain project with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization to strengthen recycling, waste management, and industrial development in the capital city.

Officials of JICA also revealed that the agency is helping review Abuja’s 1979 Master Plan to align it with development projections up to 2050, focusing on infrastructure growth, economic expansion, and climate resilience.