By Eunice Orike
President Bola Tinubu has approved the allocation of land in Abuja to ambassadors and high commissioners-designate, in a move to reinforce Nigeria’s diplomatic architecture and strengthen long-term engagement with the international community.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike made the disclosure during a courtesy visit by ambassadors-designate led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dunoma Umar Ahmed, at his official residence in Life Camp, Abuja.
Speaking during an engagement with the envoys, Wike said the President’s directive is designed to ensure that Nigeria’s diplomatic representatives maintain a permanent presence in the nation’s capital, particularly during official consultations and national assignments.
According to him, the policy aligns with the administration’s governance framework, which prioritises continuity, coordination, and stronger alignment between Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives and domestic development agenda.
“This is about giving our representatives a stake at home,” “Mr. President’s vision is to ensure that those who speak for Nigeria abroad remain firmly connected to the country’s administrative and diplomatic centre”, Wike said.
Beyond residential considerations, the minister said that the move is positioned as a deliberate effort to consolidate Abuja’s status as a global diplomatic hub while enhancing engagement between Nigeria and its international partners.
Wike also said that the President has directed the envoy to advance Nigeria’s economic diplomacy drive by projecting the country as a credible investment destination and strengthening bilateral and multilateral partnerships.
Wike underscored that the administration has already taken the lead in this regard, noting that President Tinubu’s international engagements are yielding increasing interest in Nigeria’s economic opportunities.
“The President has set the pace in attracting investment globally. Our envoys must now translate that momentum into tangible outcomes by building investor confidence and expanding strategic partnerships,” he said.
Reinforcing Nigeria’s democratic credentials, the Minister dismissed narratives suggesting any drift towards a one-party system, emphasising that the Tinubu administration remains firmly committed to democratic pluralism and constitutional governance.
