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Newly appointed Nigerian ambassadors and high commissioners will each be allocated a plot of land in the Federal Capital Territory, President Bola Tinubu has approved, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike said on Wednesday.
Wike revealed the decision while hosting the envoys for a courtesy visit at his official residence in Life Camp, Abuja.
The diplomats were accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Dunoma Umar Ahmed, as part of their induction programme.
According to Wike, the president made the move because many of the country’s overseas representatives lack a permanent residence in the capital for when they return for periodic 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,” Wike told the envoys.
“Before you leave this morning, each and every one of you should have your form to apply for a land allocation in Abuja.”
Diplomats called upon to defend Nigeria’s image
Wike used the occasion to urge the envoys to protect and promote Nigeria’s reputation abroad.
“You are, in essence, the mirror of this country. The way the world sees you is the way it will see Nigeria,” he said.
He also reminded them to build on President Tinubu’s economic diplomacy efforts, noting that the president has travelled extensively to attract foreign investment and partnerships.
Democracy and development discussed
Addressing concerns about Nigeria’s political system, Wike told the diplomats, “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.”
The minister also pointed to development opportunities within the FCT, highlighting infrastructure expansion across the six area councils as evidence of Abuja’s growing stature as a global capital.
He specifically asked the envoys to help attract investors into agriculture and waste management, saying arable land in Gwagwalada and Kwali remained largely underused.
“There is enormous potential in agriculture within the FCT, but investment is still limited. We need your support to unlock these opportunities,” Wike said.
He added that Nigeria is in partnership talks with Saudi Arabia and Egypt on key sectors and plans to engage the European Commission on development cooperation.
“I remain confident that by 2027, Nigeria will be more peaceful, more united, and stronger as a nation,” he said.
Permanent Secretary speaks on strategic moment
Earlier, Permanent Secretary Ahmed said the visit was meant to help the envoys understand the strategic importance of the FCT in Nigeria’s foreign relations.
“Our Ambassadors and High Commissioners have been entrusted with representing Nigeria at a pivotal moment in our nation’s development,” Ahmed said, noting that economic diplomacy and investment promotion would be central to their assignments.
He praised the transformation of the FCT under Wike’s leadership, arguing that visible improvements in infrastructure and service delivery were assets for Nigeria’s international image.
