Wike assures Qatar over Abuja embassy land, seeks urban development partnership
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FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has assured Qatar that a court challenge to its ownership of an 8,000-square-metre plot earmarked for its Abuja embassy will be resolved, as both sides discuss cooperation on urban planning and new cities.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has assured Qatar of support over a disputed parcel of land allocated for its embassy in Abuja, and called for closer cooperation between Abuja and Doha on urban development.
Wike gave the assurance on Tuesday when he received the Qatari Ambassador to Nigeria, Yousef Mohammed Ahmed Al-Hail, in Abuja. The envoy said Qatar was concerned about a court letter challenging its ownership of an 8,000-square-metre parcel of land allocated for the embassy, and sought clarification 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,” Wike said in response.
The minister also called for stronger cooperation between Abuja and Doha in urban planning, infrastructure development and the creation of new cities, commending Qatar’s investments in urban infrastructure and its experience in hosting major international events. “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.
Wike said the FCT Administration was prepared to send a delegation to Qatar to study its urban planning models, transport systems and other initiatives that could be adapted to Abuja. He also pledged support for Qatar’s legitimate business and investment interests in the FCT and proposed engaging Qatar Charity to expand its interventions in education, healthcare, housing and community infrastructure.
Al-Hail said he was seeking to strengthen ties between Qatar and Nigeria, particularly in urban development and investment opportunities in Abuja, and proposed a formal partnership between the two capitals covering city planning, infrastructure, transportation and investment. He said Nigerian investors had opportunities in Qatar’s property sector and other areas, and that Qatar Airways planned to increase capacity on its Abuja and Lagos routes to meet growing demand.