Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, met with the Ambassador of Cuba, Her Excellency Miriam Morales Palmero, and the Ambassador of Mexico, His Excellency Alfredo Miranda Ortiz, in separate meetings on Thursday.
During these meetings, Wike highlighted the numerous investment opportunities available in Abuja, emphasizing that foreign countries with genuine proposals would receive accelerated consideration.
Addressing the Cuban Ambassador, Her Excellency Miriam Morales Palmero, Wike expressed Nigeria’s interest in leveraging Cuban medical breakthroughs for the development of anti-malarial drugs. He also mentioned the ample arable lands in the nation’s capital for agriculture, pledging the administration’s support for any authentic collaboration that would enhance sector development.
The Cuban Ambassador disclosed that Cuban-based pharmaceutical companies had shown interest in investing in Abuja. She mentioned a 2016 agreement between Nigeria and the company aimed at eliminating malaria. Furthermore, she expressed her country’s desire to collaborate with the FCT Administration in agriculture, tourism, and job creation.
In another meeting with the Mexican Ambassador, His Excellency Alfredo Miranda Ortiz, Wike informed him that President Bola Tinubu has dismantled bureaucratic bottlenecks hindering investments in Nigeria. Wike, who emphasized his shift from signing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) without positive actions, expressed his readiness to engage with serious foreign investors looking to tap into Abuja’s vast opportunities.
Wike stated, “Mexico is a country known for agriculture, and we would like to partner with a country that will add value to our economic development. I am tired of signing MoUs; I want actions that will bring benefits to the country.”
The Mexican Ambassador assured the Minister that, with an enabling environment, Mexican investors would be eager to bring their skills in agriculture to Nigeria.