FCTA: Wike announce partnership with Israel on agriculture, digital economy, security

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has stated that the FCT Administration will collaborate with the State of Israel on agriculture, security, and the digital economy.

On Tuesday, Mr Wike welcomed the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, in his office in Abuja.

He showed a willingness to collaborate with Israel on information technology, particularly in the development of the planned Abuja Technology Village.

The minister further stated that the weather conditions in Abuja are favorable for agricultural output.

“The climate here is good for agriculture, so I would like to partner with you to have a large technology-driven farm to employ a lot of our youths.

“It will be good if you can open that channel,” he said.

Mr Wike also called for partnerships to improve the security situation in the FCT, stressing that security is crucial to enabling people to do their business without fear.

“Let us work together to help us reduce some of the insecurity in FCT,” he added.

Earlier, Mr Freeman offered to support the FCT minister in making Abuja a technology hub using Israeli expertise.

He said that Lagos always comes to mind when people think about technology, stressing the need to work together to build a technology-driven economy in the federal capital.

“I want to discuss with your team using Israeli expertise to set up centres where people can learn about the digital economy and build digital start-ups.

“We will also be glad to work with you on agriculture in Nigeria to provide jobs. We will also work with you on the digital economy, alternative energy, and security.

“There are huge opportunities for us to work on,” he said.

The ambassador invited the minister to visit Israel to discuss opportunities that could benefit all parties.

(NAN)