FCT Minister Nyesom Wike says the initiative will strengthen diplomatic engagement and encourage ambassadors to invest in Abuja.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the allocation of land to Ambassadors and High Commissioners-designate in Abuja as part of efforts to strengthen diplomatic engagement and encourage closer ties with Nigeria.
Wike made the disclosure 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, on Tuesday.
Addressing the envoys, the FCT minister explained that the President’s decision was aimed at ensuring Nigerian diplomats have permanent residences in Abuja whenever they return for official engagements and briefings.
According to Wike, “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.”
He said the initiative would further strengthen diplomatic presence in the nation’s capital and improve engagement between foreign missions and the Federal Capital Territory Administration.
Wike also urged the envoys to project Nigeria positively abroad, describing them as representatives and mirrors of the country in the international community.
“You are, in essence, the mirror of this country. The way the world sees you is the way it will see Nigeria,” he said.
The minister further charged the diplomats to effectively communicate President Tinubu’s vision and priorities, especially in attracting foreign investments and strengthening global partnerships.
“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,” he stated.
Speaking on concerns about Nigeria’s democratic system, Wike dismissed claims that the country was drifting toward a one-party state, insisting that Nigeria remains committed to multi-party democracy.
“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,” he added.
Highlighting ongoing development projects in the FCT, the minister said infrastructure expansion and improved road networks across the six area councils — Abaji, AMAC, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali — are positioning Abuja as a globally competitive capital city.
He also called on the ambassadors to attract investors, particularly in agriculture and waste management, noting that large portions of fertile land in Gwagwalada and Kwali remain untapped.
“There is enormous potential in agriculture within the FCT, but investment is still limited. We need your support to unlock these opportunities,” Wike said.
The minister further disclosed ongoing efforts to partner with countries such as Saudi Arabia and Egypt to strengthen key sectors, while plans are also underway for collaboration with the European Commission to boost development cooperation.
Expressing optimism about Nigeria’s future, Wike stated that he believes the country will become more peaceful, united, and stronger by 2027.
Earlier, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, explained that the visit formed part of the ambassadors’ induction programme aimed at exposing them to the strategic importance of the FCT in Nigeria’s foreign relations.
Ahmed noted that Abuja serves as Nigeria’s administrative and diplomatic hub and plays a major role in shaping international perceptions of the country.
“Our Ambassadors and High Commissioners have been entrusted with representing Nigeria at a pivotal moment in our nation’s development,” Ahmed said, adding that the diplomats are expected to promote economic diplomacy, attract investments, and project Nigeria positively on the global stage.
He also commended the transformation of Abuja under Wike’s leadership, particularly in infrastructure development, urban management, and service delivery, saying such progress strengthens Nigeria’s image internationally.
Ahmed further called for stronger collaboration between Nigeria’s foreign missions and the FCT Administration in promoting investment, cultural exchange, and urban development initiatives.
According to him, the visit highlights the need to align Nigeria’s foreign policy goals with domestic development priorities while positioning Abuja as a world-class capital and a centre for international cooperation.
