FCT Minister advocates partnership with Qatar on tourism development, security

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has expressed the readiness of the FCT Administration to partner with the State of Qatar to develop the FCT tourism sector and improve security in the nation’s capital.

Barrister Wike disclosed this when the Qatari Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Ali bin Ghanem Al-Hajri, paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja on Monday, February 19, 2024.

The FCT Minister said that the FCT was open to cooperation that will be mutually beneficial to both countries, especially in the areas of tourism development and security, which are top priorities in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to him, “I will be happy if we can have a relationship, particularly as it relates to tourism. We have a lot of potentials here that we can explore in terms of tourism with Qatar. So, it will be in our interest if you can explore this.

“We are willing to give out land for the building of a tourist center. The way it is now, we are willing to see how we can partner with people outside (Nigeria) to fully complete the Millennium Centre, which is the main tourist center in Abuja.

Noting that the State of Qatar has a lot of influence in the international community due to its economic potential and level of development, the Minister also congratulated the country on the successful hosting of the men’s World Cup Tournament, saying it shows that nothing is impossible with commitment.

Barr. Wike disclosed that the FCT has also recorded appreciable achievements in terms of security and the provision of infrastructure as a result of the efforts of President Tinubu to change the narrative in the country. He also pledged the commitment of the FCT Administration to continue to provide support to all foreign missions in the nation’s capital.

He said, “You will agree with us that in the past few years, it wasn’t that good. But things are moving on. We are ready to cooperate with you in terms of security. It’s very key. Yes, there was a time when it did appear that we had some security issues. But as it is today, there is a lot of difference.

“Security is one of the eight-point priorities of Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda. So, we can assure you that we will make it very convenient for all our friends who reside and carry out business in Abuja”.

In his response, the Qatari Ambassador to Nigeria said Abuja is one of the biggest capital cities in Africa with investment potential.

He said Qatar is ready to increase bilateral relations with Nigeria, adding that opportunities exist for investments in the tourism, education, and health sectors in the FCT