Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed his commitment to deepening cooperation with Japan to drive sustainable development in Abuja.
Speaking during a meeting with Japan’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Suzuki Hideo, in Abuja on Tuesday, Wike underscored the importance of revising the 1979 Abuja Master Plan to reflect present-day realities and future urban expansion up to 2050.
He praised Japan’s historic role in shaping Abuja’s original design and noted that renewed collaboration would help address current infrastructure and planning challenges.
The minister also commended Japan’s consistent support for Nigeria through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), particularly in education, healthcare and capacity building.
Wike accepted an invitation to visit Japan for a study tour, signalling a renewed push for knowledge exchange and strategic partnership.
Ambassador Hideo, in his response, emphasised Japan’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s development, noting that Abuja’s growth is central to national progress. He highlighted ongoing Japanese-backed projects in electricity, healthcare, waste management and industrial development.
Among these is a plastics recycling initiative being implemented alongside the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, aimed at strengthening the capital’s waste management system.
JICA’s Chief Representative, Mr Ishigame Keiji, said the agency’s focus includes upgrading the Abuja Master Plan to enhance economic opportunities, promote environmental sustainability and improve residents’ quality of life.
He revealed that JICA is currently executing several high-impact projects in the FCT, including solar energy solutions for water treatment, improvements to disease diagnostics, and efforts to stabilise the city’s electricity network.
Keiji added that the master plan review would be driven by joint technical teams comprising JICA experts and officials from the Federal Capital Development Authority, ensuring timely and effective implementation.
