President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the allocation of land in Abuja to Ambassadors and High Commissioners-designate, a move aimed at strengthening diplomatic engagement and ensuring Nigeria’s envoys maintain a permanent stake in the nation’s capital.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, disclosed this during a courtesy visit by Ambassadors-designate led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, at his official residence in Life Camp, Abuja, on Tuesday.
Wike said the President approved the gesture to provide returning diplomats with a place of residence in Abuja whenever they come back for official briefings and national assignments.
“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,” Wike stated.
He explained that the initiative would also deepen diplomatic presence in the Federal Capital Territory and strengthen engagement between foreign missions and the government.
Charging the envoys to uphold Nigeria’s image abroad, Wike described them as the country’s mirror before 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 urged the diplomats to effectively communicate President Tinubu’s vision, especially in attracting foreign investment and strengthening international 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 also dismissed claims that Nigeria was drifting toward a one-party state, insisting that the country remains committed to democratic values and a multi-party system.
“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 said.
Highlighting ongoing development across the FCT, the minister pointed to major infrastructure expansion and improved road networks in the six area councils—Abaji, AMAC, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali—as evidence that Abuja is being positioned as a competitive global capital.
He called on the ambassadors to attract investors, particularly in agriculture and waste management, stressing that vast arable land in areas such as Gwagwalada and Kwali remains largely untapped.
“There is enormous potential in agriculture within the FCT, but investment is still limited. We need your support to unlock these opportunities,” he added.
Wike further revealed that the administration was pursuing partnerships with countries including Saudi Arabia and Egypt to boost strategic sectors, while plans were also underway to engage the European Commission for deeper development cooperation.
Expressing optimism about the nation’s future, he said, “I remain confident that by 2027, Nigeria will be more peaceful, more united, and stronger as a nation.”
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, said 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.
He noted that Abuja, as Nigeria’s administrative and diplomatic hub, plays a central role in shaping global 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.
He added that the envoys were expected to promote economic diplomacy, attract investment, and project Nigeria positively on the global stage.
Ahmed also commended the transformation of the FCT under Wike’s leadership, particularly in infrastructure development, urban management, and improved service delivery, noting that such progress strengthens Nigeria’s international reputation.
He called for stronger collaboration between Nigeria’s foreign missions and the FCT Administration to advance investment promotion, cultural exchange, and urban development.
According to him, aligning Nigeria’s foreign policy goals with domestic development priorities is critical to positioning Abuja as a world-class capital and a hub for international cooperation.
