Tinubu Approves Abuja Land Allocation for Ambassadors-Designate

President Bola Tinubu has approved the allocation of plots in Abuja to Nigerian ambassadors and high commissioners-designate, in a move aimed at providing returning diplomats a permanent base in the nation’s capital.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, disclosed this on Wednesday while hosting the envoys at his official residence in Life Camp, Abuja, during a courtesy visit as part of their induction programme.

The delegation was led by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dunoma Umar Ahmed.

Wike said the President approved the gesture to ensure Nigeria’s diplomats have a place in Abuja for periodic briefings and official engagements when they return from foreign postings.

He said the envoys would receive application forms for land allocation before leaving the meeting.

Beyond the allocation, Wike urged the diplomats to project Nigeria positively abroad and support the administration’s investment drive through economic diplomacy.

He said President Tinubu’s international engagements had focused on attracting investment and partnerships, adding that ambassadors now have a responsibility to strengthen confidence in Nigeria as an investment destination.

Addressing concerns about Nigeria’s democratic system, Wike said the country remains committed to multi-party democracy and dismissed suggestions of a move toward a one-party state.

He also highlighted infrastructure expansion across the six area councils of the FCT — Abaji, AMAC, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali — describing them as indicators of Abuja’s growing profile.

The minister called on the envoys to help attract investment into agriculture and waste management, particularly in Gwagwalada and Kwali, which he said hold significant untapped agricultural potential.

Wike also disclosed ongoing partnership discussions with Saudi Arabia and Egypt to support development in key sectors, alongside plans to engage the European Commission on broader cooperation.

He expressed optimism about Nigeria’s trajectory, saying the country would be more peaceful, united and stronger by 2027.

Earlier, Ahmed said the visit was intended to underscore the strategic role of the FCT in Nigeria’s diplomatic framework and prepare the envoys for their responsibilities at a critical point in the country’s development.

He said economic diplomacy and investment promotion would be central to their assignments, while also commending ongoing improvements in infrastructure and service delivery in Abuja.

Ahmed called for deeper collaboration between foreign missions and the FCT administration in areas including investment promotion, cultural exchange and urban development.