Wike, Japan Launch Partnership To Update Abuja Master Plan

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is set for a major urban transformation as the minister, Nyesom Wike announced a strategic partnership with the Japanese government to overhaul the 1979 Abuja Master Plan, extending its vision to 2050.

The initiative was unveiled during a courtesy visit by a high-level Japanese delegation, led by Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Suzuki Hideo, and the Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Mr Ishigame Keiji, in Abuja on Tuesday.

Wike expressed gratitude for Japan’s enduring role in shaping the nation’s capital, emphasising that the original blueprint was a product of Japanese expertise.

“On behalf of the FCT Administration, I appreciate the relationship between Nigeria and Japan. I am fully aware of the projects through JICA.

“It is very key for us because I do know the design of Abuja was done by Japan, and now they need to look at it again in order to carry out other structural development,” he said.

Commending Japan’s consistent support in education, health, and nutrition, including the training of Nigerian teachers in Tokyo, the minister reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the collaboration.

“We will continue to cooperate with you to see that this is actualized. It should provide an environment where you continue to partner with us and see that the leadership agenda of Mr. President comes to reality,” he said.

In response, Ambassador Suzuki Hideo lauded the minister’s leadership and underscored Japan’s dedication to co-creating a shared future with Nigeria, noting that Abuja’s development as a political and administrative hub is critical to national progress.

“The government of Japan and JICA have been engaged in various development projects, including not only basic infrastructure such as electricity and healthcare but also the construction of a hub facility that serves as a center for startup support,” the ambassador said.

He also extended an invitation to the minister for a handover ceremony of a pilot plastic collection facility on March 26, a joint initiative with UNIDO aimed at strengthening the plastics value chain in the capital.

Providing a technical breakdown, JICA chief representative Mr Ishigame Keiji, revealed the agency’s readiness to deliver swift, visible results through priority infrastructure development.

“Our goal is to upgrade the original 1979 Master Plan to meet the needs of Abuja up to the year 2050.

“We are focusing on four key value additions: driving economic development and job creation, integrating the private sector, ensuring sustainability through strategic environmental assessment, and addressing contemporary themes like climate resilience and social inclusion,” he said.

He highlighted JICA’s extensive portfolio in the FCT, including a $9 million solar power project for water treatment that saves the FCT Water Board ₦31 million annually, an $11 million diagnostic upgrade for the NCDC, and a $12 million project to stabilize the city’s power grid.

The master plan review will be managed by five technical working groups composed of JICA experts and officials from the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).

According to the roadmap, 2026 will serve as the foundational year for the review, with full implementation strategies expected to be finalized by 2027.