The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced that President Bola Tinubu has approved the allocation of land to ambassadors and high commissioners-designate in Abuja as part of efforts to strengthen diplomatic relations and enhance Nigeria’s global engagement.
Wike disclosed this during a courtesy visit by ambassadors-designate led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dunoma Umar Ahmed, at his official residence in Life Camp, Abuja.
According to him, the initiative is intended to ensure that foreign envoys have permanent accommodation and a stronger sense of belonging in the Nigerian capital whenever they return for official briefings or engagements.
“The President believes that most of you do not have a place in Abuja… he will encourage you to see how you will put up a place where you can stay,” Wike said, adding that each envoy would receive forms to apply for land allocation.
He explained that the policy is designed to deepen diplomatic presence in Abuja and strengthen engagement between foreign missions and the FCT Administration.
Wike also urged the diplomats to serve as “mirrors” of Nigeria in their respective countries of assignment, stressing the importance of projecting the nation positively on the global stage.
He encouraged them to support President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to attract foreign investment and international partnerships, noting that sustained diplomatic engagement is key to economic growth.
“You are expected to reinforce the President’s efforts by building confidence in Nigeria as a viable destination for investment,” he said.
The minister dismissed concerns about Nigeria drifting into a one-party state, insisting that the country remains a multi-party democracy committed to constitutional governance.
Highlighting development efforts in the FCT, Wike noted ongoing infrastructure expansion across Abuja’s six area councils—Abaji, AMAC, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali—aimed at improving livability and global competitiveness.
He also called on the envoys to help attract investment in agriculture and waste management, pointing to vast underutilised land in parts of the territory.
Wike further revealed ongoing discussions with countries such as Saudi Arabia and Egypt to strengthen cooperation in key sectors, as well as planned engagement with the European Commission on development partnerships.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dunoma Umar Ahmed, said the visit formed part of an induction programme for newly appointed ambassadors and high commissioners.
He said Abuja, as Nigeria’s diplomatic and administrative hub, plays a central role in shaping international perceptions of the country, adding that envoys are expected to promote economic diplomacy and attract investment.
Ahmed also commended ongoing infrastructure improvements in the FCT, describing them as important to strengthening Nigeria’s global image, and called for closer collaboration between foreign missions and the FCT Administration.
The engagement underscores efforts to align Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives with domestic development priorities while positioning Abuja as a world-class diplomatic capital.
