The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration is exploring ways to partner with Qatar to improve urban planning and infrastructure development in Abuja.
The proposal emerged during a meeting on Tuesday between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Qatar’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Yousef Mohammed Ahmed Al-Hail, in Abuja.
The meeting also addressed concerns over an 8,000-square-metre plot allocated to Qatar for its embassy. Al-Hail told the minister that a court letter had raised questions about the country’s ownership of the property and appealed for the FCT Administration’s intervention.
In response, Wike assured the ambassador that the matter would be looked into and that the administration would take the necessary steps to address the issue. He also pledged support for Qatar’s legitimate business and investment interests in the FCT.
Beyond the land dispute, the discussions focused on how Abuja could benefit from Qatar’s experience in developing modern cities. Wike proposed sending FCT officials to the Gulf nation to study its urban planning strategies, transport systems and infrastructure projects, with the aim of adapting relevant ideas to the Nigerian capital.
The minister also proposed collaboration with Qatar Charity on projects in education, healthcare, housing and community infrastructure. He said partnerships with international organisations could support the administration’s efforts to improve public facilities and social services.
For his part, Al-Hail called for a formal agreement to provide a framework for cooperation between Abuja and Doha. He identified urban planning, transportation and investment as key areas for collaboration.
The ambassador also highlighted business opportunities for Nigerian companies in Qatar, noting that reforms had been introduced to attract foreign investors.
On aviation, Al-Hail said Qatar Airways currently operates flights connecting Doha with Abuja and Lagos. He added that plans were underway to increase the airline’s capacity in response to growing passenger demand.
The proposed partnership could strengthen relations between Nigeria and Qatar, while creating opportunities for greater cooperation in infrastructure development, trade, tourism and investment.
