President Bola Tinubu has approved the allocation of plots of land in Abuja to ambassadors and high commissioners-designate, according to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Wike disclosed this on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by the diplomats to his official residence in Life Camp, Abuja.
The delegation was led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dunoma Umar Ahmed, as part of an induction programme for the newly appointed envoys.
He explained that the initiative was aimed at ensuring Nigeria’s foreign representatives have a permanent place in the capital whenever they return for briefings and official engagements.
“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. Before you leave this morning, each and every one of you should have your form to apply for a land allocation in Abuja,” Wike said.
Beyond the land allocation plan, the minister urged the diplomats to take their roles seriously in projecting Nigeria’s image abroad, stressing that they represent how the world perceives the country.
“You are, in essence, the mirror of this country. The way the world sees you is the way it will see Nigeria,” he said.
Wike also encouraged them to support President Tinubu’s efforts in strengthening economic diplomacy, noting that the administration’s international engagements were aimed at attracting investment and global partnerships.
“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 added.
