Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike has expressed the desire of the FCT Administration to collaborate with the governments of Cuba and Mexico in the areas of health, agriculture, and tourism.
Wike made the disclosure when he met with Cuban and Mexican ambassadors to Nigeria, Miriam Morales Palmero and Alfredo Miranda Ortiz, respectively, in separate meetings in his office on Thursday, November 23, 2023.
Wike added that the FCT Administration is also open to partnerships with both countries in the areas of skills acquisition as part of efforts by government to create employment for youths in the FCT.
He said the FCT has vast arable land suitable for farming and would be willing to leverage the expertise of Cuba and Mexico to develop the FCT’s agricultural sector.
The minister further assured that the FCT, as the capital of Nigeria and host to all the embassies in the country, will continue to make the city conducive for its visitors, particularly the diplomatic community.
While thanking the Cuban Envoy for the visit, Wike said Nigeria and Cuba have a long history, adding that many Cubans could trace their roots to Africa and Nigeria in particular.
He also acknowledged the impact that Cuba has had in the field of medicine as well as its contribution to the fight against malaria and he pledged the readiness of the FCT Administration to partner with the government of Cuba to eliminate malaria in Nigeria.
He said: “I have mostly known the impact of Cuba in terms of medicine and when it comes to the issue of the elimination of malaria, you are quite good at that. Therefore, we will continue to partner with you. And then the vaccine too, which is the latest one now. So, it will be our pleasure to really see how we can benefit from that and cooperate with you.”
The minister, who also lauded Mexico’s agricultural achievements, explained that the FCT would be willing to partner with Mexican companies to develop agriculture and tourism in the FCT.
Wike said: “Mexico is a nation noted for agriculture. I know a lot of Mexicans and Nigerians who are running a lot of agricultural firms. FCTA has always wanted to partner with companies that will contribute to the agricultural development of FCT and of course, as a tourist centre, Abuja has all it takes to be a tourist city in the world.”
In her remark, the Cuban ambassador to Nigeria, Miriam Morales Palmero, explained that the historical link between Nigeria and Cuba dates back centuries, adding that Cubans consider all Africans to be their brothers.
She also explained that the visit to the FCTA was to explore the many areas in which Nigeria and Cuba can collaborate and assured that the government of Cuba will continue to support the efforts of Nigeria to eradicate malaria.
On his part, the Mexican ambassador, Alfredo Miranda Ortiz, said his visit was to strengthen bilateral cooperation between both countries.
The envoy stressed that both countries with very large populations also have major roles to play in reducing poverty and contributing meaningfully to the global economy.
He assured that necessary steps would be taken to enhance collaboration and increase the presence of Mexican businesses in the FCT.
“I am more than glad to see what we can do in order to enhance our bilateral cooperation,” he said.
