President Bola Tinubu has approved the allocation of land in Abuja to 70 ambassador-designates as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic corps and improve foreign representation.
Under the arrangement, each of the 70 designated ambassadors will be allocated a parcel of land in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), a move aimed at easing accommodation challenges and providing them with a permanent base in the capital for official engagements.
The initiative is expected to support their establishment and operations in Abuja, while reinforcing the government’s commitment to effective diplomatic engagement.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, disclosed this on Wednesday during a meeting with the ambassador-designates led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dunoma Umar Ahmed, at his residence in Life Camp, Abuja.
Wike said the President’s decision was driven by the need to ensure that Nigeria’s envoys have a place of residence in the capital for periodic briefings and official visits.
“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,” Wike said.
“Before you leave this morning, each and every one of you should have your form to apply for a land allocation in Abuja,” he added.
He explained that the gesture was also intended to deepen diplomatic presence in the capital and strengthen engagement between foreign missions and the FCT Administration.
“You are, in essence, the mirror of this country. The way the world sees you is the way it will see Nigeria,” Wike said, urging the envoys to uphold the country’s image in their respective postings.
He further charged them to support President Tinubu’s foreign policy drive by promoting Nigeria as an attractive destination for investment.
“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 concerns that Nigeria was drifting towards a one-party state, insisting that the country remains a multi-party democracy.
“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 developments in the FCT, the minister noted ongoing infrastructure expansion across the six area councils — Abaji, AMAC, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali — saying Abuja was being positioned as a competitive global capital.
He urged the ambassadors to help attract investment in sectors such as agriculture and waste management, noting that vast arable land in areas like Gwagwalada and Kwali remains underutilised.
“There is enormous potential in agriculture within the FCT, but investment is still limited. We need your support to unlock these opportunities,” he said.
Wike also disclosed ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships with countries such as Saudi Arabia and Egypt in key sectors, as well as planned engagement with the European Commission to boost development cooperation.
He expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, saying, “I remain confident that by 2027, Nigeria will be more peaceful, more united, and stronger as a nation.”
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