WIKE DECLARES ABUJA OPEN FOR BUSINESS

By: Freda Aideyan

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Administration to creating Nigeria’s most investor-friendly business environment, declaring that Abuja is fully open for credible local and international investment while warning that land speculators, fraudulent developers and individuals who undermine the Abuja Master Plan would find no refuge in the Territory.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Abuja Business and Investment Expo 3.0, organised by Abuja Investments Company Limited (AICL) in Abuja, the Minister stated that the ongoing transformation of the nation’s capital under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has laid a solid foundation for sustainable economic growth driven by private sector investment.

Wike, who spoke through the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, stressed that infrastructure remains the bedrock of economic development, noting that the FCTA has embarked on an unprecedented programme of road construction, urban renewal, water supply expansion, transportation infrastructure, healthcare and educational development aimed at positioning Abuja as Africa’s preferred investment destination.

According to him, the Administration has moved beyond promises to delivering tangible results through the completion of abandoned projects, the opening of new development corridors and the extension of critical infrastructure to satellite towns and Area Councils.

The Minister disclosed that the FCT’s impressive performance in the 2025 Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Subnational Ease of Doing Business assessment, where the Territory ranked fourth nationally with a 61 per cent performance score, reflects the Administration’s determination to improve governance and simplify investment processes.

He, however, declared that the FCTA would not rest until Abuja becomes Nigeria’s number one destination for investment and one of Africa’s most competitive business hubs.

Wike announced that ongoing reforms in land administration, digital governance, revenue collection and institutional accountability are designed to eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks, enhance transparency and provide investors with a predictable and secure business environment.

He maintained that while the Administration would continue to support genuine investors, it would deal decisively with fraudulent land allocations, multiple ownership claims, illegal developments and every form of abuse capable of undermining investor confidence.

“Ease of doing business does not mean the absence of regulation. We will support and protect genuine investors, but we will not protect land speculators, fraudulent developers or businesses that disregard the law,” the Minister declared.

Highlighting the enormous investment opportunities within the Federal Capital Territory, Wike identified real estate, transportation, agriculture, tourism, healthcare, education, renewable energy, technology, creative industries, waste management and urban infrastructure as priority sectors for strategic partnerships.

He urged investors to take advantage of the rapidly developing satellite towns and emerging districts, stressing that Abuja’s next phase of economic expansion will extend beyond the traditional city centre to unlock opportunities across the entire Federal Capital Territory.

The Minister assured investors that the FCTA would continue to provide world-class infrastructure, policy stability and an enabling environment while expecting the private sector to deliver quality projects, create employment and contribute meaningfully to economic development.

He expressed confidence that stronger collaboration between government and the private sector would accelerate Abuja’s emergence as a globally competitive capital city and a leading destination for investment, innovation, tourism and enterprise.

In her opening address, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Abuja Investments Company Limited (AICL), Amb. Maureen Tamuno, said the Expo serves as a strategic platform for fostering partnerships, attracting investments and unlocking the vast economic potential of the Federal Capital Territory.

She noted that the theme of the Expo, “Building Nigeria’s Capital: Investment as a Catalyst for Economic Growth,” reflects the FCTA’s vision of positioning Abuja as a globally competitive investment destination through improved infrastructure, innovation and private sector collaboration.

The AICL GMD commended the leadership of the Minister of the FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, for driving transformational infrastructure and urban renewal projects that have significantly enhanced the attractiveness of the Territory to investors.

She disclosed that participants at the three-day Expo would engage in investment forums, exhibitions, networking sessions and policy dialogues covering strategic sectors such as real estate, infrastructure, technology, renewable energy, solid minerals, sports and the creative economy.

She urged investors, development partners and the business community to take advantage of the vast opportunities available in the Federal Capital Territory, expressing confidence that ABIE 3.0 would generate strategic partnerships and investments that would accelerate the economic growth of Abuja and Nigeria.