FCTA PRESS RELEASE
FCT MINISTER COMMENDS JICA’S ROLE IN ABUJA MASTER PLAN REVIEW
…AS HE RECEIVES JAPANESE AMBASSADOR TO NIGERIA
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom
Wike, has lauded the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA)’s ongoing
collaboration with the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to review
and upgrade the Abuja Master Plan.
The Minister gave the commendation on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, when he
received a Japanese delegation led by the Japan Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr.
Suzuki Hideo, on a courtesy visit to the Federal Capital Territory
Administration (FCTA).
Addressing the delegation, Barr. Wike expressed deep appreciation for the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and Japan and particularly highlighted the invaluable support Japan has provided to the FCT's core sectors, especially, through JICA. He noted that Japan’s original involvement in the city’s design makes it an essential partner in its modernization.
The Minister said, “About one year ago, we held a meeting concerning the
review of the Abuja Master Plan, and I’ve been informed that you are working
closely with the FCDA and their team. That is very key for us because I do know
the design was done by Japan, and there is a need to look at it again in order
to carry out other infrastructural developments. We will continue to cooperate
with you to see that this is actualized”.
Barr. Wike, who also spoke from his previous experience as Minister of
State for Education, equally commended Japan’s consistent investment in human
capital to the benefit of the Nigerian populace. He recalled the positive
impact of training programs that saw Nigerian teachers travel to Tokyo for
professional development and praised JICA’s expansion into health, nutrition,
and agricultural initiatives within the FCT.
“As the FCT Minister, I’ve come in contact with so many things you have
been doing. You have not only restricted yourself to education; you’ve even
gone to nutrition and the issue of health. I want to sincerely commend you for
having confidence in the government of Nigeria and, in particular, the FCT
Administration. We will continue to partner with you, providing the enabling
environment so that the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President comes to reality”,
the Minister said.
Earlier, Ambassador Suzuki Hideo informed the Minister that JICA was
actively working to finalize new projects focused on nutrition improvement and
infrastructure upgrades.
He emphasized the Japanese government’s interest in helping Nigeria
develop a reliable template for agriculture and livestock improvement, which he
identified as a critical path toward better nutrition for the country.
The Ambassador also reaffirmed Japan's commitment to the master plan
review, which aims to address urban mobility, drainage, and the smart city
evolution of the Federal Capital Territory.
In a presentation at the meeting, the Chief representative of JICA, Mr.
Ishigami Keiji explained that the review of the Abuja Masterplan reached a
critical stage this year, adding that the agency was committed to a sustainable
and resilient FCT.
MORE PHOTOS AND CAPTIONS
RABI MUSA UMAR
DEPUTY DIRECTOR, PRESS
(OFFICE OF THE HONOURABLE MINISTER)
24/03/2026
FCTA/ODP/PR/813
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