Wike Assures Qatar Over Embassy Land Dispute, Seeks Abuja-Doha Partnership
He said partnerships with international organisations could complement the administration’s efforts to improve public infrastructure and social services.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration is considering a knowledge-sharing arrangement with Qatar to improve city planning and infrastructure in Abuja, following talks between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and the Gulf nation’s ambassador to Nigeria, Yousef Mohammed Ahmed Al-Hail.
The meeting in Abuja on Tuesday also addressed a dispute over land allocated to Qatar for its embassy. Al-Hail raised concerns about a court letter challenging the country’s ownership of the 8,000-square-metre property and sought the administration’s intervention.
Wike assured the ambassador that the matter would receive attention, saying the FCT Administration would take the necessary steps to address the issue. He also pledged support for Qatar’s legitimate business and investment interests in the territory.
The discussions extended to how Abuja could draw from Qatar’s experience in developing modern cities. Wike proposed sending FCT officials to study the country’s urban planning methods, transport systems and infrastructure projects, with a view to identifying approaches suitable for the Nigerian capital.
The minister also suggested working with Qatar Charity on projects covering education, healthcare, housing and community infrastructure. He said partnerships with international organisations could complement the administration’s efforts to improve public infrastructure and social services.
Al-Hail called for a formal agreement to guide cooperation between Abuja and Doha, identifying city planning, transportation and investment as areas for collaboration. He also highlighted opportunities for Nigerian businesses in Qatar and said reforms had been introduced to attract foreign investment.
On aviation, the ambassador noted that Qatar Airways connects Doha with Abuja and Lagos, adding that plans were underway to increase the airline’s capacity in response to passenger demand. The proposed cooperation could also open further opportunities for trade, tourism and economic exchange between Nigeria and Qatar.
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