KEY POINTS
- Minister Wike reaffirms commitment to reviewing and upgrading the Abuja Master Plan.
- The project will be implemented in partnership with Japan’s JICA.
- The upgrade focuses on infrastructure, smart city development, and urban mobility.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reiterated the administration’s determination to review and enhance the Abuja Master Plan.
He expressed this commitment during a visit by representatives from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Abuja on Tuesday.
Wike highlighted that the project, known as the Review and Upgrading of Integrated Urban Development Master Plan for Abuja, would be implemented in partnership with JICA. He emphasized the initiative’s importance in meeting the capital city’s growing infrastructural demands.
“For us, be assured that it is a project that we are committed to, and we will do all we can to see that the project comes to fruition,” Wike said, signaling the administration’s full support for the project.
Collaborative efforts for better urban development
The minister assured the JICA delegation that the FCT Administration (FCTA) would fulfill all requirements necessary for the successful implementation of the plan.
The review, he noted, is a significant step towards addressing the challenges that have emerged since the original Abuja Master Plan was established.
Wike emphasized the need for collaboration, stating that the administration’s commitment extends beyond the central city to include satellite towns and neighboring areas, which are crucial to the region’s overall development.
The project will focus on reviewing critical areas like urban mobility, water supply, stormwater and wastewater drainage, power supply, and the development of smart city solutions to align Abuja with global city standards.
This initiative is part of Wike’s broader efforts to modernize the capital and make it more functional for its growing population.
Addressing infrastructural challenges
Also speaking during the meeting, the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Shehu Ahmad, stressed the importance of upgrading the 45-year-old master plan.
According to Daily Post, Ahmad explained that the current infrastructure in Abuja is struggling to meet the needs of the city’s expanding population.
He noted that critical issues such as water and power supply, transportation systems, and drainage require urgent attention. Ahmad added that the goal is to transform Abuja into a world-class city with state-of-the-art infrastructure, ensuring that it remains competitive and attractive for both residents and investors.
“We are talking about supporting facilities in terms of infrastructure, water supply, power supply, and stormwater and wastewater drainage systems. We are also looking at the need for a smart city for Abuja so that the city will be one of the top cities in the world,” Ahmad said.
Furthermore, the FCDA chief emphasized the need for improvements in urban mobility, highlighting that the city’s transportation system remains a challenge.
“Urban mobility has remained a challenge, and we are feeling that they should look into those areas to enhance it,” he said.
