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President Bola Tinubu has approved the allocation of land in Abuja to ambassadors and high commissioners-designate. The move is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement and deepening ties with foreign partners.

Nyesom Wike, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister, disclosed this on Tuesday during a meeting with the envoys at his official residence in Life Camp, Abuja. The delegation was led by Dunoma Umar Ahmed, Ministry of Foreign Affairs permanent secretary.

Wike said the initiative is designed to ensure that Nigeria’s diplomatic representatives maintain a permanent presence in the capital, particularly during official visits and policy engagements. The approval reflects the administration’s broader effort to institutionalise closer interaction between Nigeria’s foreign missions and the FCT, while also encouraging long-term investment in Abuja.

The minister urged the envoys to uphold Nigeria’s image abroad, describing them as critical to shaping global perception of the country. He tasked them with advancing the administration’s economic diplomacy agenda, particularly in attracting foreign investment and strengthening international partnerships.

Wike also dismissed concerns about Nigeria drifting towards a one-party system, insisting that the country remains committed to multi-party democracy and constitutional governance. Highlighting ongoing development in the FCT, he pointed to infrastructure expansion and improved connectivity across the six area councils—Abaji, AMAC, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali—as part of efforts to position Abuja as a competitive global capital.

He called on the envoys to leverage investment opportunities in sectors such as agriculture and waste management, noting that significant arable land within the FCT remains underutilised. The minister further disclosed ongoing engagement with countries including Saudi Arabia and Egypt, alongside planned discussions with the European Commission, to boost development cooperation and investment inflows.

Abuja as a strategic foreign policy hub

Earlier, Ahmed said the visit formed part of the ambassadors’ induction programme, aimed at exposing them to the strategic importance of Abuja in Nigeria’s foreign policy architecture. As the nation’s administrative and diplomatic hub, Abuja plays a central role in shaping international perceptions of Nigeria, and envoys are expected to drive economic diplomacy.

Ahmed also called for stronger collaboration between Nigeria’s foreign missions and the FCT Administration to support investment promotion, cultural exchange, and urban development. The initiative underscores the administration’s push to align foreign policy objectives with domestic development priorities, positioning Abuja as a hub for international cooperation.