FCT Minister Wike Seeks Stronger Partnership With Japan To Fast-Track Abuja Master Plan

Abuja Master Plan. Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), says his administration will strengthen collaboration with the Japanese government to fast-track Abuja’s development in line with its master plan.

Wike spoke during the visit of Suzuki Hideo, Japanese ambassador to Nigeria, alongside officials of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The minister applauded the role of Japan in the development and review of the Abuja master plan, stressing its importance for long-term growth.

“You have contributed to education, health, nutrition, and other critical sectors that impact directly on our people,” he said.

“You have been working closely with the FCDA on the Abuja master plan. That is very key for us. We will continue to cooperate with you to ensure that this is actualised.”

The minister said Japan’s interventions in Nigeria’s education sector include training programmes for teachers and support for quality learning infrastructure.

According to him, “we have seen the support in education, including training of our teachers in Tokyo. This is very important to improve our education sector.”

Wike said agriculture and urban development are priority areas for future collaboration, while assuring the Japanese delegation that the FCT administration is ready to provide an enabling environment for sustained partnership.

“We will partner with you, particularly in agriculture and city development, to ensure that the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President becomes a reality,” he added.

While speaking, the Japanese ambassador reiterated the commitment of his country to Nigeria’s development.

He stressed that Abuja remains prominent to Nigeria’s progress in its status as the political and administrative capital.

He said Japan is advancing projects in waste management and industrial development, including a plastics value chain initiative in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), with a pilot facility set for handover.

“The development of Abuja is crucial for driving Nigeria’s progress. Japan and JICA have been implementing various projects in infrastructure, healthcare, and economic development,” he said.

FCT Minister Wike

He stressed that there are ongoing efforts to upgrade the Abuja master plan through JICA and improve residents’ quality of life and support sustainable urban growth.

Ishigame Keiji, the chief representative of the JICA Nigeria office, noted that the interventions of the organisation in FCT cut across critical issues like water, power, health, agriculture, and education sectors.

He explained that the review of the 1979 master plan of Abuja, which focuses on infrastructure expansion, economic growth, and climate resilience, is being supported by JICA to align with the development needs of the city up to 2050.

Keiji stated that the agency is ready to move into priority infrastructure development immediately once the revised plan is completed, backed by its global experience in executing large-scale projects.

NAF, China Strengthen Military Cooperation For Capacity Development

Military Cooperation. The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reiterated its resolve to deepen defence cooperation with China following a courtesy visit by the Defence Attaché of China, Senior Colonel Ouyang Haisheng, to the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, at Headquarters NAF, Abuja, on 25 March 2026.

The meeting highlighted the significance of sustained defence diplomacy in enhancing training, technological collaboration, and operational capacity development, particularly in addressing contemporary security challenges.

China

Air Marshal Aneke noted that international military partnerships remain central to the NAF’s transformation agenda, enabling the Service to build a highly professional, mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower effects in synergy with other security agencies, while contributing to regional peace and global security efforts.

NAF, Germany Move To Expand Training, Technology Cooperation

Technology Cooperation. The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening defence cooperation with Germany, particularly in the areas of training, technology transfer, and operational capacity development. The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, made this known while receiving Mr Johannes Lehne, Deputy Ambassador of Germany to Nigeria, alongside the Defence Adviser, Colonel Boris Bovekemp, and the Leader of the German Technical Advisory Group, Lieutenant Colonel Holger Bernard, during a courtesy visit to Headquarters NAF. The engagement was described as a significant step towards consolidating the longstanding and mutually beneficial defence partnership between both countries.

Air Marshal Aneke commended Germany for its sustained support to the NAF through specialised training, technical assistance, and professional military engagement. He noted that such cooperation has continued to enhance the Service’s operational readiness and institutional capacity. Reiterating his Command Philosophy, the CAS emphasised the NAF’s focus on building a highly motivated, professional, and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower effects in synergy with other security agencies. He highlighted key priorities including personnel welfare, modernisation of platforms, intelligence-driven operations, predictive maintenance, and the adoption of innovation and emerging technologies.

Germany, NAF

In his remarks, the Deputy Ambassador expressed appreciation for the enduring partnership between Germany and the Nigerian Air Force, reaffirming his country’s commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen capacity, professionalism, and technological advancement within the Service. He noted that continued collaboration in training and technical development would further enhance operational effectiveness and contribute to regional stability.

The CAS assured that the visit would serve to deepen bilateral defence relations and open new avenues for strategic cooperation, while expressing gratitude to the delegation for its continued support and engagement.