The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed the FCT Administration’s dedication to reviewing and upgrading the Abuja Master Plan, an initiative aimed at addressing the growing challenges in the capital city.

This was highlighted during a meeting with a delegation from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Abuja on Tuesday.

Wike explained that the project, known as the Review and Upgrading of Integrated Urban Development Master Plan for Abuja, will be carried out in collaboration with JICA.

He assured the visiting team of the FCT Administration’s full commitment to ensuring the success of the project, noting that all necessary steps for its implementation would be taken.

“We are committed to this project and will do all we can to see it come to fruition,” the Minister stated, promising stronger collaboration between the FCTA and JICA for the development of the FCT, including its satellite towns.

Mr. Shehu Ahmad, Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), also emphasized the importance of revisiting the 45-year-old Master Plan to address the infrastructural and developmental challenges in Abuja.

He highlighted the need for upgraded infrastructure, improved water and power supply systems, and enhanced urban mobility solutions to transform Abuja into a globally recognized smart city.

Additionally, he stressed the significance of creating employment opportunities to accommodate the city’s expanding population.

The review process has already commenced, with basic data collection underway by JICA’s technical team and key departments within the FCTA and FCDA. Following the completion of an inception report, an international conference will be organized to gather input from key stakeholders.

The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Nigeria, Mr. Matsunaga Kazuyoshi, praised the success of ongoing JICA projects in the FCT, such as initiatives targeting open defecation, nutrition improvement, and urban development.

He called for deeper collaboration with the FCTA to expand the impact of these projects across more communities in the FCT.

Mr. Nobukuyi Kobe of JICA’s Infrastructure Management Department detailed the objectives of the project, noting that it aims to ensure sustainability in alignment with Nigeria’s government policies.

He outlined two key outputs: the creation of a regional infrastructure development strategy for Abuja and its satellite towns for the period 2025-2050, and the enhancement of planning and implementation capacities of FCTA officers.

Kobe urged the FCTA to facilitate coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and approve the reviewed and updated Master Plan, along with the Urban and Regional Planning Act.

He further emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between the FCTA and FCDA to ensure the success of the project.