FCT Minister says ambassadors-designate will secure land before posting, as government pushes stronger global ties and investment drive

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the allocation of land in Abuja to ambassadors and high commissioners-designate in a strategic move to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic presence and international engagement.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, disclosed this on Tuesday while hosting a delegation of envoys led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dunoma Umar Ahmed, at his official residence in Life Camp, Abuja.

Wike said the initiative would allow Nigeria’s diplomats to establish a permanent base in the nation’s capital, enabling them to maintain closer institutional ties when they return for official duties. According to him, each envoy will be eligible to apply for land allocation before departing for their foreign postings.

He explained that the policy is designed to deepen diplomatic interaction within the FCT while strengthening coordination between Nigeria’s foreign missions and the capital’s administration.

The minister urged the envoys to project a positive image of Nigeria abroad, stressing that their conduct and messaging would shape global perceptions of the country. He charged them to effectively communicate the policies and priorities of the Tinubu administration, particularly in areas of foreign investment and international cooperation.

Wike also dismissed claims that Nigeria is sliding toward a one-party state, insisting the country remains firmly rooted in multi-party democracy and urging the diplomats to reinforce that narrative globally.

Highlighting ongoing development across Abuja, he pointed to expanding infrastructure and road networks in the six area councils—Abaji, AMAC, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali—as evidence of efforts to position the capital as a competitive global city.

He called on the envoys to channel investment into critical sectors such as agriculture and waste management, noting the untapped agricultural potential in districts like Gwagwalada and Kwali.

Wike further revealed plans to deepen bilateral and multilateral partnerships, including engagements with Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the European Commission, aimed at accelerating development cooperation.

Expressing optimism about Nigeria’s trajectory, the minister said the country is on course to become more united, peaceful, and economically stronger by 2027.

Earlier, Ahmed said the visit was part of the ambassadors’ induction programme, aimed at exposing them to the strategic role of the FCT in Nigeria’s foreign relations architecture. He emphasized Abuja’s importance as both the administrative and diplomatic hub of the country.

Ahmed urged closer collaboration between Nigeria’s missions abroad and the FCT Administration to drive investment promotion, cultural exchange, and urban development, while commending ongoing infrastructural improvements under Wike’s leadership.