The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, on Friday revealed plans by the FCT Administration to partner with the Republic of Italy on sustainable city, tourism and agricultural development.
Wike made this known when the Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Stefano Leo, paid him a visit in his office in Abuja.
According to him, he would personally visit the Ambassador to discuss areas of mutual benefit for Nigeria and the Republic of Italy.
He noted that the development of Abuja as a sustainable city is one of the areas of interest, including tourism and agricultural development.
His words: “You know very well that Abuja has a very good landscape for agriculture and tourism development.”
Furthermore, he pointed out that the publication of the names of embassies and commissions owing ground rent was not targeted at anybody, but to improve Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
“The IGR will be utilised for the development of the city, Wike said.
Similarly, he reiterated his administration’s commitment to make the environment comfortable for embassies and commissions to carry out their activities and for businesses to thrive.
In his remark earlier, Leo said that he was in the minister’s office to congratulate and wish him well in his.
Leo recalled how impressed he was when he visited Rivers in 2022, and expressed optimism that the minister would do better than he did in Rivers as a governor.
“Having you here in Abuja means we can continue our very good cooperation. I will be glad to host you at the Embassy,” he said.
The Ambassador said that Italy was at the forefront of tourism, adding that the country had huge plans to support sustainable city development and new ideas for green cities.
“It will be a pleasure to follow your ideas to strengthen cooperation with you,” he said.
NAN