The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyeosm Wike, has urged the European Union (EU) to support Nigeria’s efforts to grow its economy and not interfere with the country’s internal affairs.
Wike stated this when the EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Samuela Isopi, visited him in his office in Abuja on Monday, October 9, 2023.
Speaking on the EU Election Observation Mission Report on the 2023 general election, the minister described the report as “interference” with the internal affairs of Nigeria.
The minister, however, sought the collaboration of the EU to strengthen the economy of the FCT, saying the Union could partner with the FCT Administration in the areas of agriculture, tourism, and security.
He said that FCT was open for cooperation and investments in the aforementioned areas towards building a viable economy in FCT.
Wike stated that increased cooperation and partnership in agriculture, tourism, and security would help to unlock the economic potential of the FCT and create jobs for Nigerians.
Wike, who said he did not believe in mere visits, stressed the need to finalise on what needed to be done.
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The minister said: “Not just coming to tell me we are here to partner with you, we are here to work with you.
“It is good, but at the end of the day, the people will want to see what the achievements are, which for me, is a priority.
“You know that Abuja is one of the best cities in terms of available facilities. The landscape is beautiful, and it is a tourist and agricultural area.
“These are areas we can partner with you sincerely.
“Maybe, when we meet with the member countries, it becomes specific, which of these areas we can deal with, maybe agriculture, tourism, and security as the case may be.”
Wike added that as part of the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda of President Bola Tinubu, the FCT Administration had submitted a proposal for the establishment of a Secretariat that would deal with women development issues.
This, he said, would ensure inclusion and promote the participation of women in governance.
On her part, the EU Ambassador said the Union was refocusing its cooperation towards improving agricultural value chains and renewable energy.
This, according to her, would assist Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda.
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