By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has sought Qatar’s partnership in Abuja’s urban planning, infrastructure development and investment, while assuring the Gulf nation of the FCT Administration’s commitment to resolving concerns over land allocated for its embassy in the Nigerian capital.
Wike gave the assurance on Tuesday when he received the Qatari Ambassador to Nigeria, Yousef Mohammed Ahmed Al-Hail, in Abuja, where both sides explored opportunities for stronger diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and Qatar.
The ambassador had raised concerns over a court letter challenging Qatar’s ownership of an 8,000-square-metre parcel of land allocated for its embassy in Abuja, seeking the FCT Administration’s intervention to clarify the matter and enable the country to proceed with its development plans.
Responding to the request, Wike assured the ambassador that the administration would take the necessary steps to address the issue.
“Be assured that nothing will happen. We want to assure you that whatever the issue is, we will take action on it,” the minister said.
Wike called for closer cooperation between Abuja and Doha, particularly in urban planning, modern city development, transportation and infrastructure.
He said the FCT Administration was interested in learning from Qatar’s experience in developing modern cities and delivering major infrastructure projects.
The minister also expressed readiness to lead a delegation of FCT officials to Qatar to study its urban planning models, transportation systems and other development initiatives that could be adapted to Abuja.
“We want to partner with you. We will come and see how we can visit Qatar and see what they have done in terms of developing new cities. Planning and the concepts are very key,” he said.
Wike assured the Qatari government that the FCT Administration would provide the necessary support to advance mutually beneficial cooperation and protect legitimate business and investment interests in the territory.
He also proposed engagement with Qatar Charity to explore areas of collaboration in education, healthcare, housing and community infrastructure, noting that partnerships with development organisations could complement ongoing efforts to improve public services across the FCT.
Earlier, Al-Hail expressed Qatar’s interest in strengthening its relationship with Nigeria, particularly through collaboration with Abuja on urban development and investment.
He proposed a formal partnership between Abuja and Doha to facilitate the exchange of expertise in city planning, infrastructure, transportation and investment.
The ambassador highlighted Qatar’s investments in modern transportation networks, educational institutions and aviation infrastructure, describing the country’s development experience as a potential source of valuable lessons for Abuja.
He called for discussions towards a cooperation agreement between the relevant authorities in both cities and expressed readiness to review a draft agreement and facilitate arrangements for a possible visit by FCT officials to Qatar.
Al-Hail also highlighted investment opportunities available to Nigerians in Qatar, noting that reforms had been introduced to attract foreign investors and expand participation in the country's property and business sectors.
He said Qatar Airways operated flights linking Doha with Abuja and Lagos, adding that the airline planned to increase capacity in response to growing passenger demand.
The proposed collaboration is expected to provide a platform for greater engagement between Abuja and Doha in urban development, infrastructure, investment and social services, alongside efforts to resolve the concerns surrounding Qatar’s embassy land.
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