…As Wike pushes diplomatic investment drive
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the allocation of land in Abuja to Ambassadors and High Commissioners-Designate, as part of efforts to strengthen diplomatic relations and deepen Nigeria’s international engagement.
Wike disclosed this yesterday during a courtesy visit by the envoys, led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Dunoma Umar Ahmed, at his residence in Life Camp, Abuja.
He said the initiative was aimed at ensuring that Nigeria’s representatives abroad have a permanent base in the capital whenever they return for official briefings or engagements. “Before you leave this morning, each and every one of you should have your form to apply for a land allocation in Abuja”, he told the diplomats.
The Minister urged the ambassadors to see themselves as key custodians of Nigeria’s global image, stressing that their conduct and communication would shape international perceptions of the country. “You are, in essence, the mirror of this country. The way the world sees you is the way it will see Nigeria”, Wike said, adding that they must actively support President Tinubu’s drive to attract foreign investment and partnerships.
Wike also addressed concerns about Nigeria’s democratic structure, insisting that the country remains firmly committed to multi-party democracy. He highlighted ongoing infrastructure development across the Federal Capital Territory, including roads and urban renewal projects in the six area councils, while calling on diplomats to help attract investment in agriculture and waste management, particularly in underutilised areas such as Gwagwalada and Kwali.
Earlier, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Ahmed Dunoma Umar, said the visit formed part of an induction programme for newly appointed ambassadors and high commissioners. He noted that Abuja, as Nigeria’s diplomatic and administrative capital, plays a central role in shaping global perceptions of the country, and commended ongoing reforms in the FCT under Wike’s leadership as a boost to Nigeria’s international image and development diplomacy.
