President Bola Tinubu has approved the allocation of plots of land in Abuja for Nigerian ambassadors and high commissioners-designate, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has announced.
Wike disclosed this on Wednesday while receiving 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 newly appointed diplomats.
According to the minister, the presidential directive is aimed at ensuring that Nigeria’s diplomatic representatives have a permanent base in the capital whenever they return home for official engagements and briefings.
“The President believes that most of you do not have a place in Abuja… each and every one of you should have your form to apply for a land allocation in Abuja,” Wike said.
Beyond the land allocation policy, Wike charged the ambassadors to serve as “the mirror of the country,” stressing that Nigeria’s global image would largely depend on their conduct and diplomatic engagements abroad.
“You are, in essence, the mirror of this country. The way the world sees you is the way it will see Nigeria,” he stated.
He also urged the envoys to strengthen Nigeria’s economic diplomacy efforts, noting that President Tinubu’s recent foreign travels were focused on attracting investment and strategic 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 said.
Wike further addressed concerns about Nigeria’s democratic system, insisting that the country remains firmly a 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.
The minister also highlighted development projects within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), citing ongoing infrastructure expansion across the six area councils—Abaji, AMAC, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali—as evidence of Abuja’s growing global relevance.
He called on the diplomats to help attract foreign investment into agriculture and waste management, particularly in areas such as Gwagwalada and Kwali, where he said vast arable land remains underutilised.
“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 also revealed ongoing discussions with Saudi Arabia and Egypt on sectoral partnerships, as well as planned engagements with the European Commission on development cooperation.
Wike expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, saying he was confident that the country would be more stable and united by 2027.
Earlier, Permanent Secretary, Ahmed said the induction visit was designed to underscore the strategic role of the FCT in Nigeria’s foreign policy framework.
He noted that Abuja remains the administrative and diplomatic hub of the country, adding that the newly appointed envoys were assuming office at a critical period in Nigeria’s development trajectory.
Ahmed also commended improvements in infrastructure and urban management under Wike’s administration, describing them as assets that enhance Nigeria’s international image.
He called for stronger collaboration between foreign missions and the FCT administration in the areas of investment promotion, cultural exchange, and urban development.