BOMA DIPRIYE
ABUJA, Nigeria – The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, has said that President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, though seemingly tough, will birth prosperity for Nigerians.
Montgomery gave the assurance on Tuesday during his visit to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, in Abuja.
In his address, he also sought to strengthen bi-lateral ties with the Federal Capital Territory Administration in the area security.
Montgomery explained that he will be very pleased to establish collaboration with FCTA in other priority areas of government, even as he acknowledged effort of the government at improving security where necessary.
“Am paying a courtesy call because you and your office are crucial to our diplomatic community here. I have come to seek your view and understand your priority to the development of the Federal Capital Territory. We see many initiatives in the press in the recent past in the development and prosperity of FCT
“There have been security issues, on which you have been acting, and it will be good to get update from you on these issues,” Montgomery inquired.
Responding, Minister of FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike, told the High Commissioner that his priorities are centered on President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda that hinges on security and welfare of citizens.
Wike noted that the level of insecurity witnessed in the last two months have been tamed by the swiftness of the security agencies, pointing out that a lot of criminals have been arrested in connection to insecurity matters.
He explained that the Abuja has boundaries with 4 states, Niger, Kaduna, Nassarawa and Kogi, where activities of banditry is so high.
According to Wike, “But we are very lucky. The security agencies have done quiet well to tame of bandits and other criminal elements. Two months ago, it does appear to be very hot, but we can comparatively say today that the level of insecurity has so much come down in Abuja because of the level of support to security agencies and their commitment, particularly the police.
“We have given the police a lot of logistics support and security agencies and we have made tremendous progress. We use to have kidnapping, but I can tell you we have made tremendous progress in terms of arresting the kidnappers,” Wike said.
The FCT Minister also said job creation, tourism and agriculture is another key area of President Tinubu agenda that genuine investors could come and invest.
“Creation of job is key. So we believe that by this infrastructure activities going on, so many of the youth are employ. Abuja is also a tourist centre, Where investors will come in terms of tourism. Agriculture is also very Key. We have very arable land and willing to partner to remove youths from the streets. For me agriculture is key, agriculture is key. This two areas is very germane for our administration,” Wike emphasised
