President Bola Tinubu has approved the allocation of plots of land in Abuja to Nigeria’s ambassadors and high commissioners-designate, according to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Mr Wike disclosed this on Wednesday when he received the envoys on a courtesy visit at his official residence in Life Camp, Abuja.
The delegation was led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dunoma Umar Ahmed, as part of an induction programme for the newly appointed diplomats.
According to the minister, President Tinubu’s decision was aimed at ensuring that Nigeria’s foreign representatives have a place to stay whenever they return to the capital for official briefings.
“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 where you can stay. Before you leave this morning, each and every one of you should have your form to apply for a land allocation in Abuja,” Wike said.
Beyond the land allocation initiative, Mr Wike charged the diplomats to take their roles as key representatives of Nigeria seriously, stressing the importance of their global conduct.
“You are, in essence, the mirror of this country. The way the world sees you is the way it will see Nigeria.”
He also urged them to strengthen President Tinubu’s ongoing economic diplomacy drive, which he said has involved extensive international engagement to attract investment and partnerships.
“It is now your role to reinforce that effort by building confidence in Nigeria as a viable destination for investment.”
On concerns regarding Nigeria’s democratic system, the minister dismissed speculations of a shift away from multi-party politics.
“Nigeria remains a multi-party democracy. There is no plan to turn the country into a one-party state. You must communicate this clearly wherever you serve.”
Wike further highlighted development prospects within the Federal Capital Territory, noting ongoing infrastructure expansion across the six area councils of Abaji, AMAC, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali.
He encouraged the envoys to help attract foreign investment into agriculture and waste management, particularly in underdeveloped areas of the FCT.
“There is enormous potential in agriculture within the FCT, but investment is still limited. We need your support to unlock these opportunities.”
The minister also revealed that the FCT administration is in talks with Saudi Arabia and Egypt for sectoral partnerships, while engagement with the European Commission is also being pursued to boost development cooperation.
He expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, saying: “I remain confident that by 2027, Nigeria will be more peaceful, more united, and stronger as a nation.”
Earlier, Permanent Secretary Dunoma Umar Ahmed said the visit was intended to underscore the strategic importance of Abuja in Nigeria’s foreign policy framework.
He described the capital as the administrative and diplomatic hub of the country and noted that the newly appointed envoys were assuming duty at a critical stage in national development.
“Our Ambassadors and High Commissioners have been entrusted with representing Nigeria at a pivotal moment in our nation’s development.”
Mr Ahmed also commended the ongoing transformation of the Federal Capital Territory under Mr Wike’s leadership, saying improvements in infrastructure and urban services had strengthened Nigeria’s international image.
He called for stronger collaboration between Nigeria’s foreign missions and the FCT Administration in areas such as investment promotion, cultural exchange, and urban development.
