President Bola Tinubu has approved the allocation of land in Abuja to ambassadors and high commissioners-designate, with the announcement made in Abuja on Tuesday by Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike during a meeting with the envoys aimed at strengthening diplomatic ties and encouraging stronger engagement with Nigeria.
Wike disclosed the approval when ambassadors-designate led by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dunoma Umar Ahmed, paid him a courtesy visit at his official residence in Life Camp.
He said the decision was taken to provide Nigerian diplomats with an opportunity to own property in the nation’s capital and have a place to stay whenever they return home for official briefings and assignments.
According to the minister, the land allocation is part of efforts to build closer ties between Nigeria’s diplomatic corps and the Federal Capital Territory. He directed that application forms be made available to the envoys, saying the process should begin immediately.
Wike said the diplomats have a duty to represent the country well in their various postings and help improve Nigeria’s image abroad. He urged them to support the administration’s push for stronger foreign partnerships by encouraging investment and building confidence in Nigeria.
He said the President has been engaging with countries and investors across the world and called on the envoys to support those efforts through economic diplomacy and international cooperation.
The minister also dismissed concerns that Nigeria was moving toward a one-party system, maintaining that the country remains committed to democratic rule and political plurality. He urged the diplomats to present that message clearly wherever they serve.
Speaking on development in the Federal Capital Territory, Wike said ongoing infrastructure projects and road construction across the six area councils of Abaji, Abuja Municipal, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali are transforming the capital and creating opportunities for growth.
He encouraged the envoys to attract investors to sectors such as agriculture and waste management, saying there is huge potential in the FCT, especially in farming communities where large portions of land remain unused.
Wike also spoke about efforts by the FCT administration to work with countries such as Saudi Arabia and Egypt to improve some sectors, while plans are underway for engagement with the European Commission to expand development cooperation.
He expressed confidence that the country would continue to make progress in unity, peace and development in the coming years.
Earlier, Ahmed said the visit formed part of the induction programme for the ambassadors and was designed to expose them to the importance of the Federal Capital Territory in Nigeria’s diplomatic relations.
He said Abuja remains central to Nigeria’s engagement with the international community and plays a major role in shaping foreign perception of the country.
According to him, the diplomats have been entrusted with representing Nigeria at an important time and are expected to promote economic diplomacy, attract investment and strengthen the country’s presence abroad.
Ahmed also praised ongoing improvements in Abuja, noting that progress in infrastructure, urban management and service delivery is helping boost the image of the nation’s capital.
He called for stronger collaboration between foreign missions and the FCT Administration in promoting investment, cultural exchange and development initiatives.
He said the meeting reflected the need to connect Nigeria’s foreign policy goals with domestic development plans, especially in the effort to position Abuja as a world-class capital and a centre for global cooperation.