By Awyetu Asabe Hope
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has expressed readiness to partner with Finland on smart city technology, waste management and infrastructure development in Abuja.
Wike stated this on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by the Finnish Ambassador to Nigeria, Sanna Selin, in Abuja.
He said the Federal Capital Territory Administration was open to collaborations that would support sustainable urban growth and align with the Federal Government’s development agenda.
Highlighting Abuja’s rapid expansion, the minister said the FCTA was seeking to leverage Finland’s expertise in infrastructure, agriculture, green energy and digital solutions to improve service delivery.
“We are willing to partner with countries that can support us in key areas such as infrastructure, smart city technology and agriculture,” Wike said.
He identified waste management as a priority, calling for capable firms to support the administration in modernising the capital’s waste systems.
“It would be a pleasure to engage firms with the right capacity to manage our waste. That is very key for us,” he added.
Wike also assured members of the diplomatic community of improved security in the FCT, noting that the administration remained committed to providing a safe and enabling environment for international partners.
In her remarks, Selin said Finland was keen to deepen cooperation with Nigeria, particularly in digitalisation, innovation and environmental solutions.
She noted that Finland, regarded as one of the most digitised countries globally, had recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Nigeria on digital transformation.
The ambassador added that Finland also has advanced expertise in water and waste management, as well as circular economy solutions, which could support development efforts in the FCT.
Selin expressed optimism that ongoing engagements would translate into concrete projects, strengthening economic and technical cooperation between both countries.