FCTA, Israel to partner on agriculture, security, digital economy

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says the FCT Administration will partner with the State of Israel on agriculture, security, and digital economy.

Wike stated this when he received the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Michael Freeman, in his office in Abuja on Tuesday.

He expressed a commitment to partner with Israel on information technology, particularly in the development of the planned Technology Village in Abuja.

The minister added that the climatic condition of Abuja city is also conducive for agricultural production.

“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.

Wike also called for partnership to improve the security situation in the FCT, stressing that security was very crucial to enable people to do their businesses without fear.

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

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

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

“I want to discuss with your team on using Israeli expertise to set up centres where people can learn about 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 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.