FCTA TO EXPLORE PARTNERSHIP WITH FINLAND ON SMART CITY, CLEAN ENERGY

By: Rabi Musa Umar and Wisdom Acka

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has expressed the FCT Administration’s readiness to partner with the Republic of Finland to advance Abuja’s transition into a modern, sustainable smart city.

The Minister made this commitment on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, when he received the Finnish Ambassador to Nigeria, Her Excellency, Sanna Selin, on a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja.

During the visit, Barr. Wike highlighted infrastructure and agriculture as key areas where the FCT seeks international cooperation and specifically welcomed Finland’s expertise in green technology and digital services. He noted that such collaborations are essential as Abuja continues its rapid expansion.

The Minister said, “As a city, we are willing to cooperate with sister cities of other countries to see how we can partner in terms of infrastructure and agriculture. You have already said here that you are willing to give support in infrastructure, such as smart city technology and clean energy. We will be willing to partner with you in these areas to optimize our relationship for the mutual benefit of both countries”.

Barr Wike further expressed interest in a reciprocal exchange to study Finnish urban models firsthand, stating, “We would be glad to have an invitation to see areas of interest in Finland for our mutual development”.

Barr Wike also spoke passionately about the necessity of partnering with the Finnish Government in the area of waste management. “It will be good if we can have a discussion on waste management with any firm that has the right capacity to manage our waste, that’s very, very key for us. I would be very much interested”, he said.

Addressing the Ambassador’s remarks on the safety of the diplomatic community, Barr. Wike reaffirmed the FCTA’s commitment to maintaining a secure environment in the FCT. He noted that the visible surge in construction across the city was a testament to the improved security and stability currently enjoyed in the Federal Capital Territory.

He said, “We owe you a duty to provide an enabling environment here in terms of security for you to be able to carry out your duties. You can agree with me that Abuja is growing every day and the security has very much improved. There is so much construction going on that you can identify”.

Earlier, Ambassador Sanna Selin had commended the FCT Administration for its massive infrastructural investments and the high level of safety provided for the diplomatic mission and noted that Finland was eager to offer its global expertise to support Abuja’s urban evolution.

She added that Finland seeks to deepen economic cooperation in renewable energy and digital services, aligning with the FCT’s current development priorities.

“Finland recognizes the FCTA’s ongoing infrastructure investment and is ready to offer its expertise in many fields—for example, in planning, clean energy solutions, and sustainable constructions to bring about rapid urban development in Abuja”, the Ambassador remarked.