The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has announced that President Bola Tinubu has approved the allocation of land in Abuja to ambassadors and high commissioners-designate.
Wike said the move is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic presence and improving engagement with foreign missions.
The minister also called on the envoys to help attract foreign investment to Nigeria, saying their roles are central to promoting the country’s economic interests abroad under ongoing economic diplomacy efforts.
Wike made the remarks on Wednesday when he received the envoys on a courtesy visit led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dunoma Ahmed, at his residence in Abuja.
He stressed the responsibility of diplomats in shaping Nigeria’s international image.
“You are the mirror of this country. The way the world sees you is the way it will see Nigeria,” the minister said.
He explained that the land allocation aligns with broader efforts by the current administration to strengthen economic diplomacy and attract foreign investment, noting that ambassadors must play an active role in reinforcing those objectives.
“Mr President has travelled extensively to attract investment. It is now your responsibility to reinforce that effort by building confidence in Nigeria as a viable destination for investment,” he said.
Wike also used the occasion to dismiss concerns about Nigeria’s political direction, insisting that the country’s democratic structure remains intact.
“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 added.
Turning attention to developments within the FCT, the minister highlighted ongoing infrastructure expansion across Abuja’s area councils, saying the government is working to position the city as a modern global capital.
He also urged the diplomats to help attract investment into key sectors, particularly agriculture and waste management, stressing that vast land resources in areas such as Gwagwalada and Kwali remain underutilised.
“There is enormous agricultural potential in areas like Gwagwalada and Kwali, but investment is still limited. We need your support to attract investors and unlock these opportunities,” he added.
Wike further disclosed that the FCT Administration is pursuing strategic partnerships with countries including Saudi Arabia and Egypt, as well as the European Commission, to support development initiatives in the territory.
He expressed confidence that ongoing reforms and investments would place Nigeria on a stronger developmental footing in the coming years.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Dunoma Umar Ahmed, said the visit formed part of an induction programme for the ambassadors and high commissioners-designate, designed to acquaint them with the strategic importance of Abuja as both Nigeria’s administrative and diplomatic centre.
“Our ambassadors and high commissioners have been entrusted with representing Nigeria at a pivotal moment,” he said.
Ahmed noted that Abuja plays a central role in shaping global perceptions of Nigeria and commended ongoing improvements in infrastructure and urban management under the current FCT leadership.
He also called for stronger collaboration between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the FCT Administration, urging the envoys to actively promote Abuja as a hub for investment, tourism, and international cooperation.
The Federal Capital Territory has continued infrastructure upgrades and urban expansion in Abuja alongside efforts to attract investment and strengthen international cooperation.
Punch / Tunmise Adesanmi
