The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has commended the Japan International Cooperation Agency for its continued partnership in the ongoing review and modernisation of the Abuja Master Plan.
Wike gave the commendation on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, during a courtesy visit by a Japanese delegation led by Suzuki Hideo to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) in Abuja.
Speaking during the meeting, the minister expressed appreciation for the strong and long-standing diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and Japan. He noted that Japan has consistently played a key role in supporting critical development sectors within the FCT, particularly through JICA’s technical expertise and project implementation.
Wike highlighted Japan’s historical involvement in the original design of Abuja, describing the country as a strategic partner in the city’s transformation. According to him, reviewing the Abuja Master Plan is essential to accommodate modern infrastructure, population growth, and evolving urban needs.
He explained that discussions on the master plan review began about a year ago and expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far. The minister noted that collaboration between JICA and the Federal Capital Development Authority has been crucial to advancing the process. He reaffirmed the FCTA’s commitment to strengthening this partnership to ensure the successful delivery of a more functional and sustainable capital city.
Beyond infrastructure, Wike also praised Japan’s investment in human capital development in Nigeria. Drawing from his previous role in the education sector, he recalled how training programs facilitated by Japan enabled Nigerian teachers to gain international exposure in Tokyo, significantly improving their professional capacity.
He further acknowledged JICA’s expanded contributions to sectors such as healthcare, nutrition, and agriculture within the FCT. These interventions, he said, have positively impacted the lives of residents and demonstrated Japan’s confidence in Nigeria’s development agenda.
The minister assured the delegation of the FCTA’s readiness to provide a conducive environment for ongoing and future projects. He emphasised that such collaborations align with the federal government’s broader development priorities and vision for national growth.
Earlier, Ambassador Suzuki Hideo reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s development efforts. He disclosed that JICA is currently working on new initiatives to improve nutrition and upgrade infrastructure across the FCT.
The ambassador also stressed the importance of agriculture and livestock development as key drivers of food security and better nutrition. He noted that Japan is interested in helping Nigeria establish effective systems that can serve as a model for sustainable agricultural growth.
In addition, he confirmed that the Abuja Master Plan review remains a priority project, with a focus on enhancing urban mobility, improving drainage systems, and advancing the FCT’s transition into a smart city.
In a technical presentation, JICA’s Chief Representative, Ishigami Keiji, revealed that the master plan review had reached a critical phase in 2026. He emphasised the agency’s commitment to promoting a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable Abuja capable of meeting future challenges.
The ongoing collaboration between Nigeria and Japan is expected to play a significant role in shaping the future of Abuja as a modern and globally competitive capital city.
