Wike Promises Investor-Friendly Future for Abuja

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to making Abuja investment opportunities more attractive for local and international investors. He said the Abuja investment drive would be backed by transparency, security and a business-friendly environment while warning that land speculators and fraudulent developers would face stricter enforcement.

Speaking through the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, at the opening of the Abuja Business and Investment Expo (ABIE) 3.0 on Wednesday, Wike said the transformation of the nation’s capital under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda had created a strong platform for sustainable economic growth led by the private sector.

He described infrastructure as the foundation of economic development, highlighting ongoing investments in road construction, urban renewal, water supply, transportation, healthcare and education. According to him, the administration has moved beyond policy promises by completing abandoned projects, opening new development corridors and extending critical infrastructure to satellite towns and Area Councils.

Wike also revealed that the Federal Capital Territory ranked fourth nationwide in the 2025 Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Subnational Ease of Doing Business assessment, scoring 61 per cent. He said the result reflected efforts to improve governance, simplify investment procedures and strengthen institutional efficiency.

He declared, “We will not stop until Abuja becomes Nigeria’s foremost investment destination and one of Africa’s most competitive business hubs.” He added that reforms in land administration, digital governance, revenue collection and institutional accountability were reducing bureaucracy and creating a more predictable business climate.

The minister stressed that support would remain available for genuine investors but warned that authorities would not tolerate fraudulent land allocations, multiple ownership claims, illegal developments or activities that undermine investor confidence. He said, “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.”

Wike identified real estate, transportation, agriculture, tourism, healthcare, education, renewable energy, technology, creative industries, waste management and urban infrastructure as priority sectors for Abuja investment. He encouraged investors to explore opportunities in rapidly growing satellite towns and emerging districts, saying the next phase of the capital’s economic expansion would extend beyond the city centre.

He also assured investors of continued infrastructure development, policy consistency and an enabling business environment while urging the private sector to deliver quality projects, create jobs and support economic growth.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Maureen Tamuno, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Abuja Investments Company Limited (AICL), described the expo as a key platform for attracting investment and building strategic partnerships. She said this year’s theme, “Building Nigeria’s Capital: Investment as a Catalyst for Economic Growth,” reflects the administration’s goal of making Abuja a globally competitive investment destination through infrastructure, innovation and private sector collaboration.

Tamuno praised Wike’s leadership in advancing major infrastructure and urban renewal projects. She added that the three-day expo would feature investment forums, exhibitions, networking sessions and policy discussions covering sectors including real estate, technology, renewable energy, solid minerals, sports and the creative economy. She urged investors and development partners to seize the opportunities available in the Federal Capital Territory, expressing confidence that the event would attract partnerships capable of boosting economic growth.

What sector do you believe offers the biggest investment opportunity in Abuja today?