By Dare Balogun, 4th May,2024
1. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has said that the FCT Administration is open to partnership with the Republic of Hungary in the areas of agriculture and security.
2. The FCT Minister stated this in Abuja on Thursday, May 2, 2024 when he received a delegation from the Consulate General of Hungary, led by the Consul General, Mr. Endre P. Deri on a courtesy visit to the FCT Administration (FCTA).
3. Barrister Wike who was informed by the Consul General about the desire for partnership in the areas of security and agriculture, said agriculture and security were among the priorities of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and welcomed the request for partnership in the areas.
4. On security, the Minister said the FCT is safer now, having been able to address security challenges it faced in the recent past, but added that there is an ongoing process for the procurement of more security equipment for the security agencies which Hungary can key in.
5. According to the FCT Minister, “Security has been an issue but by the grace of God, we’ve been able to reduce the level of insecurity. You can attest to the fact that Abuja is safer now because of the way we have been able to tackle the issue
6. “Luckily for us, it is part of our procurement process to have drones. Unfortunately, I’m not an expert. The security people who are in charge, I will let them have a discussion with your people so that they will identify the type of drones that will be effective and efficient in our own area and how we intend to use them, which areas we intend to use them. So, I will let them have a contact with your people. I can tell you that the issue of security for us is a priority, in terms of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
7. The Minister who also acknowledged that Hungary was one of the countries that has excelled in the agricultural sector, said the FCT is ready to provide land for Hungarian agricultural experts that are willing to come and invest in food production so as to ensure food security in the FCT.
8. He said: “The issue of agriculture is very key. I know I have been to Budapest and I know that Hungary is one of the countries that is also focused on agriculture. Our own idea is we can collaborate and partner in terms of PPP. We are willing to provide land and then if you are willing to come over here to see what you can do so that it will become a symbiotic relationship. You benefit, we also benefit.
9. “We will not hesitate if we are able to reach those who are concerned so that we can set up the process and know what you intend to produce, a lot of varieties in order to see how we will solve the problem of food security in the FCT.
10.“So, those two issues are very germane to us and we will want to collaborate, cooperate with your people”.
11.Speaking earlier, the Consul General of Hungary, Mr. Endre P. Deri said he was on the visit to seek avenues for partnership in the areas of security and agriculture.
12.While commending the Minister for the unprecedented development in the FCT since he became Minister, Mr. Endre also thanked him for the assistance he rendered Hungary which facilitated the introduction of the Hungarian scholarship and studies programme, where about 1800 Nigerian students are now studying in Hungary.
13.Present during the visit were the FCTA General Counsel, Barr. Salman Dako, Secretary, Economic Planning, Revenue Generation and PPP, Arch Ubokutom Nyah and the SSA on Legal, Multilateral Cooperation, Barr. Benedict Daudu and other officials from the Consulate General of Hungary.
