Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has urged European Union countries to deepen investment ties with Abuja, pointing to agriculture and real estate as two of the territory’s most promising sectors.
Speaking Tuesday at the EU House in Abuja during a briefing with envoys from member states, Minister Wike said the capital territory has evolved into a business-friendly and increasingly secure market with strong revenue potential.
He said the FCT offers about 274,000 hectares of arable land, particularly in the area councils, and an expanding property market driven by rising demand for residential and commercial space.
“There are opportunities available in the housing sector for you to tap into and for us to collaborate with investors in Abuja,” the Minister said.
“The FCT is a business-friendly capital city. Real estate is a booming sector in the FCT, where investors are building for residential and commercial purposes.
“The demand for residential and commercial houses is very high.”
Minister Wike said the administration was prepared to provide land through public-private partnerships and put legal safeguards in place to protect investors from fraud and other risks.
He added that the government is developing access roads to farmlands in the area councils to support agricultural production and attract private capital.
“We are not looking for philanthropy; we are looking for a symbiotic partnership,” he said.
“You benefit, the FCT benefits. The FCT is prepared to do everything required to secure your investment and protect your interests.”
The Minister also highlighted reforms in security, revenue collection and judicial support, saying they have improved the investment climate in the territory.
He said the Renewed Hope Agenda had shifted development beyond Abuja’s city center to the six area councils through water and road projects in satellite towns.
He said water schemes in Karu, Orozo and Bwari were scheduled for commissioning during President Bola Tinubu’s third anniversary activities.
Minister Wike also said agreements signed in Beijing with Chinese firms to provide alternative power for Abuja were already progressing, with completion expected by year-end.
On insecurity, he said the administration had adopted a multi-layered strategy, including specialized motorcycles for difficult terrain and road construction in areas used by criminals as hideouts.
He said the FCT Administration had also integrated the police, State Security Service, military and Civil Defence to improve real-time crime reporting and response.
Two new police divisions and staff housing units are under construction in each of the six area councils, he added.
Minister Wike said the administration had raised internally generated revenue to N40 billion monthly in 2026 from N7 billion in 2023, making the FCT the country’s second-highest revenue-generating sub-national after Lagos.
He said the stronger revenue base has enabled the administration to pay higher wages and finance major projects.
On the judiciary, he said the government had provided housing for judges of the Court of Appeal, Federal High Court and FCT High Court in Katampe, to be handed over during the president’s third anniversary celebrations.
Wike also praised President Tinubu for prioritizing merit in appointments and for introducing reforms such as electronic transmission of election results.
EU Delegation Head to Nigeria, Ambassador Gautier Mignot, said the bloc is Nigeria’s leading trade and investment partner and that the meeting with the FCT minister would strengthen existing ties.
He said the FCT was developing quickly under Mr. Wike’s leadership, especially in security and infrastructure.
