The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has assured the Government of Qatar that its embassy land in Abuja is safe despite concerns over a legal dispute, while calling for a strategic partnership to help transform Nigeria’s capital into a modern city.
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.
The ambassador had raised concerns over a court letter questioning Qatar’s ownership of about 8,000 square metres of land allocated for its embassy. He urged the FCT Administration to clarify the issue so construction could proceed.
Responding, Wike assured the envoy that the matter would be addressed without delay.
> “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.
Beyond the land issue, Wike said the FCT Administration was interested in building a stronger relationship with Qatar, especially in urban planning, infrastructure development and modern city management.
He praised Qatar’s achievements in developing world-class cities and hosting major international events, saying Abuja could learn from the country’s experience.
> “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,” Wike said.
The minister said the FCT Administration was willing to send a delegation to Qatar to study its city planning, transportation systems and other development initiatives that could be adapted to Abuja.
He also assured the ambassador that the administration would continue to support legitimate investments by Qatar in the Nigerian capital.
Wike further proposed discussions with Qatar Charity to expand development projects in the FCT, particularly in education, healthcare, housing and community infrastructure.
According to him, stronger partnerships with international development organisations would complement the government’s efforts to improve infrastructure and public services across Abuja.
Earlier, Ambassador Al-Hail said Qatar was committed to strengthening diplomatic and economic relations with Nigeria.
He proposed a formal cooperation agreement between Abuja and Doha to encourage the exchange of knowledge in urban planning, transportation, infrastructure development and investment.
The envoy said Qatar’s experience in developing modern transport systems, educational facilities and aviation infrastructure could provide useful lessons for Abuja.
He also expressed readiness to review a draft cooperation agreement and support a study visit by FCT officials to Qatar.
Al-Hail highlighted investment opportunities available to Nigerians in Qatar, noting that recent reforms were designed to attract more foreign investors into the country’s property and business sectors.
Speaking on air connectivity, he said Qatar Airways currently operates flights to Abuja and Lagos and plans to increase capacity as passenger demand continues to grow.
He added that deeper cooperation between both countries would boost trade, tourism, investment and stronger people-to-people relations.
The meeting reflects ongoing efforts by the FCT Administration to attract foreign investment and strengthen international partnerships as Abuja continues its drive to improve infrastructure and position itself as a globally competitive capital city.