The Federal Capital Territory Administration has unveiled a new initiative involving the allocation of plots of land in Abuja to Ambassadors and High Commissioners-designate, aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic ties and boosting international investment through foreign missions.
Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, says President Bola Tinubu has approved the initiative as part of efforts to deepen diplomatic engagement and strengthen Nigeria’s global presence.
Wike disclosed this during a courtesy visit by the envoys, led by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dunoma Umar Ahmed, at his official residence in Life Camp, Abuja.
He said the initiative is intended to ensure Nigeria’s envoys maintain a physical presence in the nation’s capital during official engagements, while also strengthening ties between foreign missions and the FCT.
Quoting the minister, he said: “The President believes that most of you do not have a place in Abuja. He wants to encourage you to see how you can put up somewhere you can stay.”
He also added: “Before you leave this morning, each and every one of you should have your form to apply for land allocation”.
Wike stressed that beyond accommodation, the initiative is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic and economic engagement globally.
He said: “You are, in essence, the mirror of this country. The way the world sees you is the way it will see Nigeria”.
The minister urged the envoys to actively support the administration’s investment drive, noting that President Tinubu has intensified global engagements to attract partnerships.
He said: “Mr. President has travelled extensively 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”.
Wike also called for stronger economic diplomacy, urging ambassadors to identify opportunities in sectors such as agriculture and waste management, pointing to vast arable land in Gwagwalada and Kwali.
On the political front, he dismissed concerns about Nigeria drifting towards a one-party state, insisting: “Nigeria remains a multi-party democracy. There is no plan to turn the country into a one-party state”.
He also revealed ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships with countries including Saudi Arabia and Egypt, as well as the European Commission, to boost development cooperation.
