FCT minister promises action on concerns over an 8,000-square-metre plot, as both sides explore partnerships in urban planning, infrastructure and investment…..
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has assured the government of Qatar that the FCT Administration will address concerns surrounding land allocated to the country for its embassy in Abuja.
Wike gave the assurance on Tuesday when he received Qatar’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Yousef Mohammed Ahmed Al-Hail, in Abuja for discussions on diplomatic relations, investment opportunities and cooperation in urban development.
The ambassador had raised concerns 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 matter to allow the country to proceed with its development plans.
Responding, Wike pledged that the administration would take the necessary steps to resolve the issue.
“Be assured that nothing will happen. We want to assure you that whatever the issue is, we will take action on it,” he said.
The minister also called for stronger cooperation between Abuja and Doha, particularly in urban planning, infrastructure development and the establishment of modern cities.
He commended Qatar’s investments in urban infrastructure and its experience in hosting major international events, noting that Nigeria could draw valuable lessons from the Gulf country’s development model.
Wike expressed the FCT Administration’s readiness to send a delegation to Qatar to study its urban planning strategies, transportation systems and other 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.
He added that the administration would provide the necessary support to strengthen cooperation and ensure that Qatar’s legitimate business and investment interests in Abuja were not obstructed.
Wike also proposed discussions with Qatar Charity to explore opportunities for expanding its development projects in the FCT, particularly in education, healthcare, housing and community infrastructure.
He said partnerships with development organisations could complement ongoing government efforts to improve infrastructure and social services across the territory.
Earlier, Al-Hail expressed Qatar’s interest in deepening its relationship with Nigeria, with particular emphasis on Abuja’s urban development and investment prospects.
The ambassador proposed a formal partnership between Abuja and Doha to facilitate the exchange of expertise in city planning, infrastructure, transportation and investment.
He noted that Qatar had developed extensive urban infrastructure, including modern transport networks, educational facilities and aviation infrastructure, which could offer useful lessons for Abuja.
Al-Hail called for discussions on a cooperation agreement between the relevant authorities in both cities and expressed readiness to review a draft agreement and advance plans for a possible visit by FCT officials to Qatar.
He also highlighted investment opportunities for Nigerians in Qatar, citing reforms introduced to attract foreign investors and expand participation in the property and business sectors.
On air connectivity, the ambassador said Qatar Airways operated flights connecting Doha with Abuja and Lagos, adding that the airline planned to increase capacity to meet rising passenger demand.
He said stronger diplomatic and economic ties could create opportunities for trade, tourism, investment and people-to-people exchanges between both countries.
The meeting highlighted prospects for expanded Nigeria-Qatar cooperation in urban development, investment and social infrastructure, alongside efforts to address the concerns surrounding Qatar’s embassy land in Abuja.
