By Philip Yatai
Abuja: The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has assured Qatar of maximum support and security for its investments, declaring Abuja open to strategic partnerships to mirror the rapid urban development of Doha.
Wike gave the assurance on Tuesday in Abuja during a bilateral meeting with the Qatari Ambassador to Nigeria, Yousef Al-Hail.
He promised to address a major concern raised by the envoy regarding a legal notice served over a 5,000-square-meter parcel of land designated for the Qatari Embassy, near the Russian Embassy in Central Business District.
The minister directed the FCT Director of Litigation to investigate the root cause of the court action and resolve the issue without delay.
He assured the delegation that the diplomatic corridor remains safe and backed by the government.
Expressing admiration for Qatar’s world-class infrastructure and hosting capabilities, Wike outlined plans to lead a high-level FCT delegation to Doha.
He explained that the cost would enable FCT officials to study Doha’s urban planning models and attract Qatari real estate investors to build modern housing projects in Abuja.
“We want to partner with you and see how we can visit Qatar to study what has been done in terms of developing new cities and planning concepts.
“We want to emulate that and see how we can also have a ‘Doha City’ concept right here in Abuja.”
Wike highlighted the significant improvements in Abuja’s security and ongoing infrastructural drive under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He assured Qatari business leaders that all necessary support would be provided to ensure seamless operations without bureaucratic hindrance.
He said that the FCT Administration remained fully committed to building lasting bridges between Nigeria and the State of Qatar.
Earlier, Al-Hail reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties across multiple sectors, including aviation, trade, and social development.
He highlighted Qatar’s new 100 per cent foreign ownership laws for international investors and noted ongoing regional initiatives like the proposed unified visa.
He also revealed that Qatari institutions have invested tens of millions of dollars in Nigeria.
He pointed at the ongoing construction of a major smart community layout in Abuja featuring schools, medical facilities, mosque complexes, housing, and vocational training centers, alongside thousands of sight-restoration eye surgeries and clean water projects.
The envoy expressed Qatar’s willingness to exchange engineering expertise, urban designs and strategic framework agreements between Doha and Abuja. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
Source: News Agency of Nigeria
