The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed his commitment to creating a secure and enabling environment for the diplomatic community in Abuja.
Speaking at the European Union Complex during the Saint Patrick’s Day Reception and the official opening of the new Embassy of Ireland, Wike assured diplomats that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was working to elevate Abuja to the standards of other global capitals.
“For us here, we owe you a duty to make sure that we create the right environment. I want to assure you that we want to make Abuja look like other capital cities in the world. We will continue to provide an enabling environment to carry out your duties, especially in terms of security.
Of course, you will attest to it that things have improved in Abuja since this administration came on board. We will keep improving every day,” Wike said.
He also expressed his willingness to strengthen diplomatic ties, adding:
“We are willing to partner with you to see how the relationship with Nigeria continues to grow.”
The event saw the presence of Mr. Jack Chamber, Ireland’s Minister of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform, and Digitalisation, Ambassador Peter Ryan of Ireland to Nigeria, and other members of the diplomatic community.
Wike, speaking in his capacity as the FCT Minister, also congratulated the Irish Ambassador and hinted at a possible visit to Ireland: “I have met the Ambassador once or twice, when he visited my office, and he has been luring me to visit Ireland.
Now that someone I know very well, whose pedigree and capacity I can vouch for, has been appointed as Ambassador, this should be the right time to visit.”
The Minister urged embassies to develop lands allocated to them in Abuja, following incidents of land encroachment: “We had to tell them enough is enough. My face may not be liked by many people, I don’t care; I will continue to do what is right.
We have written to the embassies to come and collect their land back and develop it.”
The event highlighted the FCT Administration’s focus on security, urban development, and collaboration with the diplomatic community to boost Abuja’s global profile.