Posted by From Funmi Peter-Omale in Abuja on
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai at the weekend said the FCT Administration was partnering....
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai at the weekend said the FCT Administration was partnering with the private sector to raise about N1.6bn to commemorate the 30thv anniversary of the creation of the Federal capital and the 15th year of the official movement of government to the FCT.
The minister who stated this at the weekend at a lunch meeting with Chief Executive Officers of private and public companies in Abuja also said the development of Abuja to a tourist haven was the priority of government.
In the words of the minister, Abuja has become our symbol of success, the safest city in Nigeria today.
We want to make Abuja the face of Nigeria and make it first class tourism destination.
He noted that the objective of the administration was to partner with the organized private sector and chief executives of mega companies operating in Nigeria ?to raise N1.6bn for the Abuja programme.
He said a number of projects have been lined up for execution adding, that these include the construction of a 250 mega watts independent power plant, infrastructure development, development of the satellite towns, amongst others.
el-Rufai stated further, Our meeting with you today is to see whether you can adopt an activity and become our partners as we strive towards developing Abuja.
Abuja is one subject matter that is very close to the heart of Mr. President and we know you would be mentioned in the annals of history as having contributed to its development.?
The minister stated to ensure that the capital city becomes even more attractive for investors, especially foreign investors; the administration has put a number of measures in place. These include the accelerated land registration, abolition of multiple taxation (because it is an irritation for business) and we have improved on accountability and transparency.
Chairman of the Abuja at 30 Fund Raising Committee and Chairman, Bullet Construction Company, Alhaji Samaila Isa Funtua, said that the construction companies were the greatest beneficiaries of the FCTA and should therefore be seen to be contributing to the development of infrastructure in Abuja by supporting the Abuja at 30 cause. He urged the chief executives not to be left behind in the annals of the city.
Also speaking at the occasion, Commissioner of Police, FCT, Mr. Lawrence Alobi, disclosedthat his men and officers have been prepared for the Abuja at 30 celebrations because of an anticipated upsurge of visitors expected for the various events slated for later in the year.
?The celebration we know would attract a lot of visitors but we want to assure of safety of lives and property.