FCTA To Partner Finland On Smart City Technology, Waste Management

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed his readiness to collaborate with the Republic of Finland to enhance infrastructure, agriculture, and sustainable urban management within the nation’s capital.

​Wike made this disclosure on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to his office by the Finnish Ambassador to Nigeria, Sanna Selin.

The meeting underscored a mutual commitment to deepening bilateral ties and exploring technical partnerships that align with the “Renewed Hope” Agenda of the current administration.

​During the visit, Wike highlighted Abuja’s rapid growth and the ongoing efforts to transform the city’s landscape through extensive infrastructural projects.

He emphasised that the FCTA was eager to leverage Finland’s expertise in specialised sectors to maintain this momentum.

​”As a city, we are willing to cooperate with the cities of other countries to see how we can partner in terms of infrastructure and agriculture.

“You have already mentioned your willingness to provide support in infrastructure development, smart city technology, and green energy. We are very willing to partner with you in these areas,” Wike stated.

​The Minister also assured the diplomatic community of the improved security situation in the FCT, noting that the administration remained committed to providing an enabling environment for international partners to carry out their duties safely.
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​A key highlight of the discussion was the FCT’s urgent interest in modernising its waste management systems.

Recognising Finland’s global reputation for environmental technology, Wike extended an invitation for specialised firms to engage with the FCT Administration.

​”It would be a pleasure for us to have a discussion on waste management with any firm that has the right capacity to manage our waste; that is very, very key for us,” the Minister added.

​Responding, the Finnish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mrs Sanna Selin, noted that the relationship between the two nations has deepened significantly in recent months.

The Ambassador emphasised that increasing trade and supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation were top priorities for the Finnish mission.

​”Finland is one of the most digitized countries in the world, and we have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nigeria on digitalization and innovation.

“We are also very advanced in water and waste management technologies, as well as circular economy solutions,” the Ambassador added.

​She expressed hope that the expertise found in Finland’s capital region could be mirrored in the FCT through concrete bilateral projects, further expanding the economic and technical cooperation between the two regions.