The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has sought the partnership of Daewoo on the construction of five-star hotel to boost tourism in the federal capital city, Abuja.

Wike made the appeal when the Chairman, Daewoo Engineering and Construction, Mr Jung Won-ju visited him in his office, in Abuja on Thursday.

The minister said that the partnership with the South Korean company in luxury hotels would support the development of the city and make it an attractive tourist centre.

He noted that currently, the only five-star hotel in the city is Transcorp Hilton with no competition, adding that more luxury hotels were needed in the city.

“So, if you say that ‘okay, we want to invest in tourism, we want to build a five-star hotel, what role can you play’?

“We can say look, to assure you we are ready, we are not going to give you land to sell.

“We will give you land and then we will ask you, how many years do you think you will be able to develop this five-star hotel,” he said.

Wike added that he would liaise with the Korean Ambassador to schedule a visit to the country and the construction company, to finalise details of the project for immediate action.

He assured Won-ju that there would be no impediments to the project, adding that the land, the approvals, and other requirements would be taken care of by the FCT Administration.

“We will make sure that before the end of the year, we should be able to visit Korea, particularly Daewoo.

“So, we will write to the Ambassador of Korea to let him know, and then write to you, so we will be able to finetune it. That way I will be happy that there is something we can take home,” the minister said.

Responding, Won-Ju thanked Wike for the warm reception and promised to expedite actions on the partnership between Daewoo and the FCT.

“We are ready to overcome every challenge, and our Managing Director in Nigeria, Mr Taewon Jung will fully support the realisation of the partnership as soon as possible.

“We are willing to comply with your demands and your guidance,” the chairman said.