Saudi Arabia seeks FCT partnership on green cities, security, economic development

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has expressed interest in strengthening cooperation with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) across key sectors including security, economic development, and green city initiatives.

Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Yousef bin Mohammed Al-Balawi, made the appeal on Tuesday during a visit to Nyesom Wike, FCT Minister in Abuja.

Al-Balawi commended the administration of President Bola Tinubu and the FCT leadership for what he described as ongoing efforts to develop Abuja into a “beautiful green city,” noting Saudi Arabia’s readiness to deepen collaboration on sustainable urban development.

He said the Kingdom is keen on expanding ties with the FCT Administration and exchanging knowledge on green city planning, while also strengthening institutional relations between Abuja and Riyadh, as well as other major Saudi cities.

In his response, Wike described the relationship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia as longstanding and robust, adding that the FCT is prepared to leverage the partnership for mutual benefit.

“We will be happy and willing to visit Riyadh and other cities in Saudi Arabia to identify areas of common interest and collaborate for mutual benefits,” he said.

Wike noted that Saudi Arabia remains a key country in the Gulf region with strong historical ties to Nigeria, stressing the importance of deepening subnational cooperation between both capitals.

He added that the FCT would explore opportunities to learn from Riyadh’s development experience while also sharing Abuja’s ongoing transformation efforts.

Commending the Saudi envoy for his remarks on Abuja’s development, Wike attributed the progress in the capital to the political will of the Tinubu administration.

According to him, the ongoing reforms are aimed at repositioning the FCT into a modern city capable of competing with leading global capitals, even as he acknowledged that more work remains to be done.