Wike assures Qatar Embassy of support, seeks partnership on Abuja’s urban development
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has assured the government of Qatar of the FCT Administration’s support in resolving concerns over a parcel of land allocated to the country for its embassy in Abuja.
He pledged that the government would take necessary action to address the matter.
Mr Wike gave the assurance on Tuesday, when he received the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Nigeria, Yousef Mohammed Ahmed Al-Hail, in Abuja, where both discussed diplomatic relations, urban development, investment and opportunities for cooperation between Abuja and Doha.
Mr Al-Hail expressed concern over a court letter challenging Qatar’s ownership of its allocated embassy land, estimated at 8,000 square metres, and appealed to the FCT Administration to clarify the situation to enable the country to proceed with its development plans.
“Be assured that nothing will happen. We want to assure you that whatever the issue is, we will take action on it,” Mr Wike stated.
The minister, who sought closer collaboration between Abuja and Doha, particularly in urban planning, infrastructure development, hailed Qatar for its investments in urban infrastructure and its experience in hosting major international events.
Mr Wike further expressed the FCT Administration’s readiness to emulate Qatar’s urban planning models, transportation systems and other development initiatives in Abuja.
He added, “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 also proposed engagements with Qatar Charity to explore opportunities for expanding its development interventions in the FCT, particularly in education, healthcare, housing and community infrastructure.
In his remarks, Mr Al-Hail said he was interested in strengthening relations between Qatar and Nigeria, with particular emphasis on Abuja’s urban development and investment opportunities.
The ambassador also highlighted opportunities for Nigerian investors in Qatar, noting that the country had introduced reforms aimed at attracting foreign investment and expanding participation in its property and business sectors.
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