Wike Pledges Safe, Supportive Environment for Diplomatic Missions

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, assured members of the diplomatic community in Abuja that the government will maintain a safe and supportive environment to enable embassies and diplomats to carry out their work effectively.

The assurance came during the Saint Patrick’s Day Reception and the official opening of the new Embassy of Ireland at the European Union Complex in the capital on Wednesday.

Wike explained that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to improving Abuja to match international capital cities in terms of security and infrastructure.

The event drew prominent attendees, including the Minister of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation from Ireland, Jack Chamber, the Irish Ambassador to Nigeria, Peter Ryan, and other diplomatic representatives.

He encouraged continued collaboration between the government and foreign missions, noting that a secure and well-maintained environment is essential for the diplomatic community to perform its duties.

The FCT Minister also extended congratulations to the Irish Ambassador on Saint Patrick’s Day and for the completion of the embassy’s new building.

Wike mentioned his personal connection to Ireland, noting the appointment of a familiar figure as the new Ambassador Designate, and hinted at plans to visit Ireland in the near future.

He also called on embassies to develop lands allocated to them in Abuja, referring to recent cases where unoccupied plots were taken over by unauthorized individuals.

He stated that the government has written to embassies to reclaim and develop their plots to prevent such incidents.

The Minister assured that the administration would continue to enforce the law and improve conditions in the FCT, aiming to make the city a more secure and attractive location for foreign missions.