FILE: FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has assured the government of Qatar of the FCT Administration’s support in resolving concerns over a parcel of land allocated to the country for its embassy in Abuja.
This was contained in a statement released on Tuesday by Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka.
Wike gave the assurance when he received the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Nigeria, Yousef Ahmed Al-Hail, in Abuja, where both sides discussed diplomatic relations, urban development, investment and opportunities for cooperation between Abuja and Doha.
The ambassador had expressed concern over a court letter challenging Qatar’s ownership of its allocated embassy land, estimated at 8,000 square metres, and appealed to the FCT Administration to clarify the situation to enable the country to proceed with its development plans.
“Be assured that nothing will happen. We want to assure you that whatever the issue is, we will take action on it”, Wike was quoted as responding.
The minister also sought closer collaboration between Abuja and Doha, particularly in urban planning, infrastructure development and the creation of modern cities.
He commended Qatar for its investments in urban infrastructure and its experience in hosting major international events, saying Nigeria could benefit from the Gulf country’s approach to city development.
Wike expressed the FCT Administration’s readiness to send a delegation to Qatar to study its urban planning models, transportation systems and other development initiatives that could be adapted to Abuja.
“We want to partner with you. We will come and see how we can visit Qatar and see what they have done in terms of developing new cities. Planning and the concepts are very key”, the minister was quoted as saying.
The minister added that the FCT Administration would provide the necessary support to facilitate cooperation and ensure that Qatar’s legitimate business and investment interests in Abuja were not hindered.
He also proposed engagements with Qatar Charity to explore opportunities for expanding its development interventions in the FCT, particularly in education, healthcare, housing and community infrastructure.
Wike welcomed the prospect of deeper engagement with the organisation, noting that collaboration with development partners could support ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure and social services in the territory.
Earlier, Al-Hail said he was interested in strengthening relations between Qatar and Nigeria, with particular emphasis on Abuja’s urban development and investment opportunities.
He proposed a formal partnership between Abuja and Doha to promote the exchange of expertise in city planning, infrastructure, transportation and investment.
The ambassador said Qatar had developed extensive urban infrastructure, including modern transport networks, educational facilities and aviation infrastructure, which could provide useful lessons for Abuja.
He called for discussions towards a cooperation agreement between the relevant authorities in both cities, expressing readiness to review a draft agreement and advance arrangements for a possible visit by FCT officials to Qatar.
Al-Hail also highlighted opportunities for Nigerian investors in Qatar, noting that the country had introduced reforms aimed at attracting foreign investment and expanding participation in its property and business sectors.
On air connectivity, the ambassador said Qatar Airways operated services linking Doha with Abuja and Lagos, adding that the airline planned to deploy additional capacity to meet growing passenger demand.
He said stronger diplomatic and economic relations could create opportunities for trade, tourism, investment and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.