The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced that President Bola Tinubu has approved the allocation of plots of land in Abuja to Ambassadors and High Commissioners-designate. This initiative aims to deepen diplomatic engagement and strengthen Nigeria's global presence.
Details of the Approval
Wike made this disclosure during a courtesy visit by the envoys, led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dunoma Umar Ahmed, at his official residence in Life Camp, Abuja. The minister stated that the President's decision was driven by the need to ensure that Nigeria's representatives abroad maintain a tangible presence in the nation's capital, especially during periodic consultations and official engagements.
The initiative is expected to provide accommodation for returning envoys and strengthen the institutional link between Nigeria's foreign missions and the FCT. Wike emphasized the strategic role of ambassadors in advancing the administration's economic agenda and urged them to actively drive President Tinubu's foreign investment push.
Economic Diplomacy and Investment
Wike noted that while the President has undertaken extensive international engagements to attract investors, it is incumbent on the diplomats to consolidate those gains. He charged the envoys to promote economic diplomacy by identifying opportunities and attracting investors, particularly in critical sectors such as agriculture and waste management within the FCT and beyond.
Earlier, Ahmed explained that the visit was part of the ambassadors' induction programme, designed to acquaint them with the strategic importance of the FCT in the nation's foreign relations architecture. He described Abuja as the country's administrative and diplomatic hub, noting that its development plays a critical role in shaping international perceptions of Nigeria.
Ahmed also called for closer collaboration between Nigeria's foreign missions and the FCT Administration to advance investment promotion, cultural exchange, and urban development initiatives.
