President Tinubu Grants Abuja Land Plots to Ambassador-Designates, says Wike

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the immediate allocation of land in the Federal Capital Territory to all newly appointed Ambassadors and High Commissioners-designate. The directive was announced on Wednesday by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, during a courtesy visit by the envoys at his official residence in Life Camp, Abuja.

The initiative is designed to ensure that Nigeria’s top diplomats have a permanent base in the capital for periodic briefings and upon their return from foreign postings. Wike explained that the President personally ordered the move after noting that many envoys currently lack accommodation in Abuja.

address. “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 stated. “Before you leave this morning, each and every one of you should have your form to apply for a land allocation in Abuja.” He confirmed that application forms were distributed to the diplomats at the conclusion of their induction programme.

The Minister emphasized the strategic role of the envoys as representatives of the nation, urging them to use the gesture as motivation to project a positive image of Nigeria abroad. “You are, in essence, the mirror of this country. The way the world sees you is the way it will see Nigeria,” Wike told the diplomats.

He further charged the envoys to leverage the ongoing infrastructure boom in the FCT as a tool to attract foreign investment, telling them that President Tinubu has travelled extensively to secure partnerships and that it is now their duty to reinforce that effort by building confidence in Nigeria. He specifically highlighted opportunities in agriculture and waste management within area councils like Gwagwalada and Kwali.

Wike also used the opportunity to address political concerns, dismissing fears that Nigeria is drifting toward a one-party state. “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.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, described the visit as part of the envoys’ induction programme, emphasizing that Abuja, as the nation’s administrative and diplomatic hub, plays a critical role in shaping global perceptions of Nigeria. The deployment of the new ambassadors follows the federal government securing formal acceptances from over 25 host countries.