By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding the Abuja Master Plan, maintaining global development standards, and protecting recreational spaces across the territory.

Wike’s remarks were delivered by his Special Adviser, Raphael Obi, while receiving a Special Award for Tourism Infrastructure at the Destination Nigeria Governors’ Tourism Conference, held on Friday, November 14, 2025, at Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja.

According to the minister, Abuja must be seen not only as the political capital but also as Nigeria’s window to the world.

“We must recognize Abuja, beyond being the nation’s capital, as Nigeria’s window to the world. I will ensure that its standards remain undiluted and firmly aligned with global best practices,” Wike said.

Obi, conveying the minister’s appreciation, noted that the award reflects national recognition of the enormous responsibilities placed on the FCT Administration under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He emphasized that transforming Abuja into a world-class capital city remains a top priority of the administration.

“The minister has taken it upon himself to ensure that Abuja is maintained in line with global best practices. He will not compromise—will never compromise—the master plan of the Federal Capital City,” Obi stated.

He added that the improvements currently being witnessed across the territory are made possible through the support of President Tinubu and the National Assembly. The FCT, he said, has evolved into a major tourism destination due to its quality infrastructure, natural scenery, and expanding urban services.

Obi further highlighted the renewed focus on preserving leisure parks and green areas originally earmarked for public use.

“Over the years, many of these spaces were abused and converted into private property. That era is over,” he assured.

He also listed several tourism assets the FCT is working to reposition, including the Usuma Dam Country Centre, the Tapo Sharia Iron Smelting Site, Lower Usuma Dam, Zuma Rock, Jabi Lake, and other natural features that give Abuja its distinct identity.

The FCTA, he stressed, is building stronger partnerships with the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) and the private sector to unlock the tourism potential of the capital territory and the nation.

Earlier in her remarks, the host of the conference and a leading tourism advocate, Omotayo Omotosho (Madam Tourism), praised Wike’s leadership style and his protection of public recreational spaces.

“The minister is not just our landlord; he is a landlord who fights for the people—one who will never allow our recreational areas to be sold off for other purposes,” she said.

Omotosho explained that Wike was chosen for the Special Award for Tourism Infrastructure because of his deliberate and consistent efforts to develop facilities that support tourism, mobility, leisure, and socio-economic growth in the FCT.

She described him as a “no-nonsense but humane administrator” whose commitment to road development, urban renewal, and public space preservation provides a strong foundation for sustainable tourism in Nigeria.

The event drew representatives from the public and private sectors, service chiefs, tourism professionals, state commissioners, and key stakeholders across the creative and tourism industries.