By Ismaila Jimoh, Abuja
There is a strong indication that the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) is set to embark on review of Abuja Master Plan.
This is coming after 48 years of creation of the territory as the nation’s capital.
Indication to this emerged when the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike played host to the Ambassador of Japan to Nigeria, Matsunaga Kazuyoshi who paid him a visit in his office in Abuja.
The Ambassador had led a delegation of Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA) to the FCT Minister to discuss plans for commencement of work on the Integrated Urban Development Master Plan of Abuja, as well as seek the Minister’s support on key JICA projects, including its nutrition improvement programme.
Commenting on the urban development plans, the Minister pledged the continued support of the FCT Administration.
Pledging commitment of the FCT Administration to improving budgetary provisions in the 2025 estimates for the nutrition programme, Wike thanked the Ambassador and assured: “We are keenly committed to see that the projects come to fruition”.
His word: “We are grateful; we will continue to see good things from JICA. I hope you have not backed out on training of our teachers in Mathematics and other science subjects?”
“The FCTA will continue to support you to make sure we bring back the hope people have lost, which is the vision of Mr. President”.
Earlier, Amb. Kazuyoshi, disclosed that JICA had introduced baby and cost-friendly toilets in Kwali, Abuja; adding that the programme had checked open defaction and made Kwali Area Council to be declared open defaction free subsequently.
He solicited more support from the FCT Administration to manufacture more of the toilets to reduce FCT and Nigeria’s high ranking on World open defaction index.
The Japanese envoy revealed that his Agency has also carried out nine pilot projects on nutrition improvement in local communities of Gwagwalada and Abuja Municipal Area Councils.
According to him, besides providing relevant traings, JICA has also carried out a demonstration farm on growing of nutritious food crops; saying there has already been huge improvement in nutrition cases monitored in those areas.
Kazuyoshi stressed that, with necessary preparations and approvals, review of the Abuja Master Plan should commence by June, next year.
Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Shehu Hadi Ahmad, whose agency is in charge of the master plan, explained that the planned project would look into issues around water drainages, urban mobility, traffic congestion and the smart city initiative, among others.
