The Somali government has made an earnest plea for the support of Nigeria, particularly the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in the reconstruction and development of the country’s capital, Mogadishu.
During a recent meeting, the Ambassador of Somalia to Nigeria, Jamal Mohammed Barrow, conveyed Somalia’s keen interest in drawing from the expertise of the FCT in the advancement of Mogadishu while seeking the support of the FCT Administration.
Expressing their aspirations, the ambassador referenced Nigeria’s journey of recovery from civil unrest, drawing parallels with Somalia’s own experiences. He emphasized the potential for Somalia to learn from Nigeria’s endeavors, especially in the development of the capital city of Abuja.
In response, Minister Wike affirmed the unwavering support and cooperation of the FCT Administration for Foreign Missions. He also pledged to facilitate the allocation of land for the construction of the Somali Chancery in Abuja, demonstrating Nigeria’s commitment to fostering international collaboration.
“We are committed to ensuring a welcoming environment for our esteemed guests. Please do not hesitate to communicate your needs to the FCT, as we are dedicated to collaborating with foreign missions,” assured Minister Wike, highlighting the administration’s eagerness to facilitate the realization of Somalia’s diplomatic infrastructure.
Drawing from Nigeria’s own history, Minister Wike acknowledged the shared experiences of civil unrest between the two nations. He assured Somalia of Nigeria’s readiness to share valuable insights and urban development expertise as Somalia endeavors to reshape its capital city of Mogadishu.
In a reciprocal gesture, Minister Wike also expressed his willingness to seize the opportunity to visit Mogadishu in order to gain firsthand insight into the city’s landscape, emphasizing the mutual exchange of knowledge and experiences between the two nations.
“Mogadishu, being the capital of Somalia, holds great significance. We are genuinely interested in experiencing the city firsthand. Through collaborative efforts, we aim to facilitate a meaningful exchange of ideas and experiences in the realm of urban development,” stated the minister, underscoring the potential for a symbiotic relationship in the pursuit of city development.
This harmonious exchange between Nigeria and Somalia exemplifies the potential for cross-cultural collaboration, signaling the beginning of a partnership aimed at nurturing mutual growth and development.
