Wike assures Qatar envoy of support over embassy land, seeks partnership on Abuja development

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has assured Qatar that the FCT Administration will address concerns over a parcel of land allocated for its embassy in Abuja.

Wike gave the assurance on Tuesday when he received the Qatari Ambassador to Nigeria, Yousef Mohammed Ahmed Al-Hail, in Abuja.

Al-Hail said Qatar was concerned about a court letter challenging its ownership of an 8,000-square-metre parcel of land allocated for the embassy. He sought clarification to enable the country to proceed with its development plans.

Responding, Wike said: “Be assured that nothing will happen. We want to assure you that whatever the issue is, we will take action on it.”

The minister also called for stronger cooperation between Abuja and Doha in urban planning, infrastructure development, and the creation of new cities.

He commended Qatar’s investments in urban infrastructure and its experience in hosting major international events, saying Nigeria could learn from the country’s approach to urban development.

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“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,” Wike said.

He said the FCT Administration was prepared to send a delegation to Qatar to study its urban planning models, transport systems and other initiatives that could be adapted to Abuja.

Wike also pledged the administration’s support for Qatar’s legitimate business and investment interests in the FCT. He proposed engaging with Qatar Charity to expand its interventions in education, healthcare, housing and community infrastructure.

Earlier, Al-Hail said he was seeking to strengthen relations between Qatar and Nigeria, particularly in urban development and investment opportunities in Abuja.

He proposed a formal partnership between Abuja and Doha to facilitate the exchange of expertise in city planning, infrastructure, transportation and investment.

The ambassador said Qatar had developed modern transport networks, educational facilities and aviation infrastructure from which Abuja could draw useful lessons.

He called for discussions on a cooperation agreement and said Qatar was ready to review a draft agreement and advance plans for a visit by FCT officials.

Al-Hail also said Qatar had introduced reforms to attract foreign investment, noting that Nigerian investors had opportunities in the property sector and other areas.

On air connectivity, he said Qatar Airways operated flights to Abuja and Lagos and planned to increase capacity to meet growing demand.