Abuja Seeks UK Collaboration on Security, Job Creation

By: Wisdom Acka

FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has solicited support and collaboration of the United Kingdom in tackling issues of insecurity, development, job creation and economy in the Federal Capital Territory.

Wike made the call on Tuesday when the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, paid him a courtesy visit in his office.

The Minister recalled Nigeria’s long relationship with the UK; saying it dates back to pre-independence days; adding, “Our relationship has grown stronger and stronger.”

According to him, priorities of the FCT Administration (FCTA) were those things President Bola Tinubu enshrined in his “Renewed Hope Agenda.”

Stressing that security was of paramount concern to everyone, the Minister stated that the FCT shares boundaries with four States of Nasarawa, Niger, Kaduna and Kogi, which have security challenges ranging from banditry and kidnapping.

Similarly, the Minister revealed that security challenges in the FCT got so high about two weeks ago but have been brought down due to tireless efforts by the security agencies and support from the FCT Administration.

However, noting that criminal activities take place everywhere in the World, Wike disclosed that renewed determination in apprehending and prosecuting criminals was proving beneficial and yielding positive results.

The Minister also stated that the current Administration, with President Tinubu’s support, has turned Abuja into a giant construction site, creating jobs as a result, both in the city centre and at the various sites across the six Area Councils.

Wike told the High Commissioner that other priorities of the FCTA included the development of the Territory’s abundant tourism and agricultural potentials, so as to further create more job opportunities.

Speaking earlier, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, told the Minister that his visit was to find areas of priority for the Minister in the development of the FCT and build partnerships towards achieving same.

The High Commissioner disclosed British interests in partnering the FCT Administration in the areas of agriculture and the Abuja Industrial Park, with a view to creating more jobs; adding that his country was pleased partnering security agencies in the country.

Commenting on the economy, he noted that the Commission was in realizaction that things were hard, and prayed for good harvest and improvement.