FCT minister Nyesom Wike says Abuja will partner Israel on agriculture, security, and digital economy.

Mr Wike stated this when he received the Israeli ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, in his office in Abuja on Tuesday.

He expressed a commitment to partner with Israel on information technology, particularly in developing the planned Technology Village in Abuja.

The minister added that the climatic condition of Abuja city is also conducive to agricultural production.

“The climate here is good for agriculture, so I would like to partner with you to have a large technology-driven farm to employ a lot of our youths. It will be good if you can open that channel,” he said.

Mr Wike also called for the partnership to improve the security situation in the FCT, stressing that security was crucial to enable people to do their business without fear.

“Let us work together to help us reduce some of the insecurity in FCT,” he added.

Mr Freeman offered to support the FCT minister in making Abuja a technology hub using Israeli expertise. He said currently, when people think about technology, Lagos always comes to mind, stressing the need to work together to build a technology-driven economy in the federal capital.

“I want to discuss with your team on using Israeli expertise to set up centres where people can learn about the digital economy and build digital start-ups,” the Israeli diplomat stated. “We will also be glad to work with you on agriculture in Nigeria to provide jobs. We will also work with you on digital economy, alternative energy and security.”

He added, “There are huge opportunities for us to work on.”

Mr Freeman invited the minister to visit Israel to discuss opportunities that could benefit all parties. 

(NAN)