Wike Courts Qatar Partnership to Transform Abuja
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has assured the government of Qatar that the FCT Administration will address concerns surrounding a parcel of land allocated to the country for its embassy in Abuja. Wike gave the assurance while receiving Qatar’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Yousef Ahmed Al-Hail, in Abuja, according to a statement issued by his media aide, Lere Olayinka, on Tuesday. The ambassador had raised concerns over a court letter challenging Qatar’s ownership of the approximately 8,000-square-metre property and appealed for clarification to enable the country to proceed with its development plans. Responding, Wike said the administration would take action on the matter and ensure that Qatar’s legitimate business and investment interests in Abuja were not hindered.
Beyond the land issue, Wike called for stronger cooperation between Abuja and Doha in urban planning, infrastructure development and the creation of modern cities. He commended Qatar’s experience in developing urban infrastructure and hosting major international events, expressing the FCT Administration’s readiness to send a delegation to study the country’s planning models, transportation systems and other initiatives that could benefit Abuja. Al-Hail highlighted Qatar’s modern transport networks, educational facilities and aviation infrastructure, and proposed discussions towards a cooperation agreement between relevant authorities in both cities. He also pointed to investment opportunities for Nigerians in Qatar following reforms aimed at attracting foreign investors, particularly in property and business. On air connectivity, the ambassador said Qatar Airways operates services linking Doha with Abuja and Lagos, with plans to increase capacity to meet growing passenger demand. Both sides expressed interest in strengthening relations to promote trade, tourism, investment and people-to-people exchanges.
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