By Sofiat Adenekan-Abdul
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has urged European Union (EU) member countries to increase investment in Abuja’s fast-growing agriculture and real estate sectors, highlighting sweeping reforms that he says are reshaping the capital into a more investor-friendly destination.
Wike made the appeal on Tuesday in Abuja during a briefing with EU envoys at the EU House, where he showcased emerging opportunities across key sectors of the territory’s economy.
According to him, the FCT is undergoing rapid transformation, with strong demand for housing and expanding prospects in agribusiness driven by improved infrastructure and policy reforms.
“There are opportunities in housing for investors to tap into. Real estate is booming in the FCT, and demand for residential and commercial properties is very high,” he said.
He disclosed that the FCT currently has about 274,000 hectares of arable land, adding that the administration is expanding rural access roads to boost agricultural production across area councils.
Wike stressed that the government is prioritising strategic partnerships over aid, insisting that investment cooperation must be mutually beneficial.
“We are not looking for philanthropy. We are looking for a symbiotic partnership where both sides benefit,” he said.
The minister also pointed to reforms in security, infrastructure, revenue generation, and the justice system as key drivers of growing investor confidence in the territory. He revealed that internally generated revenue in the FCT has risen significantly from ₦7 billion monthly in 2023 to about ₦40 billion in 2026, making it one of the highest revenue-generating sub-national entities in Nigeria after Lagos State.
On security, Wike said a multi-layered strategy is being implemented, combining the work of security agencies with road expansion into vulnerable communities and enhanced surveillance systems to curb criminal activity.
He further noted ongoing infrastructure development in satellite towns, including water supply projects in Karu, Orozo, and Bwari, which are expected to be commissioned during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s third-year anniversary.
Earlier, Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, reaffirmed the EU’s position as Nigeria’s leading trade and investment partner and expressed readiness to deepen cooperation with the FCT.
He commended ongoing development efforts in Abuja, assuring continued diplomatic and economic collaboration aimed at strengthening ties and expanding investment flows.
