Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has assured members of the diplomatic community in Abuja of the government’s continued commitment to providing a secure and enabling environment for their operations.
Wike gave the assurance on Wednesday while speaking at the Saint Patrick’s Day reception and official opening of the new Embassy of Ireland at the European Union Complex in Abuja.
The minister said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was working to transform Abuja into a capital city comparable to others around the world, with a focus on improved infrastructure and security.
“For us here, we owe you a duty to make sure that we create the right environment,” Wike said. “We will continue to provide an enabling environment for you to carry out your duties, especially in terms of security. You can attest that things have improved in Abuja since this administration came on board, and we will keep improving.”
The event was attended by Ireland’s Minister of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Jack Chambers; Ireland’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Peter Ryan; and other members of the diplomatic corps.
Wike also reaffirmed the FCT Administration’s willingness to strengthen partnerships with foreign missions to deepen Nigeria’s bilateral relations.
Congratulating the Irish government on its national day and the inauguration of its new embassy, the minister described the development as a positive step in enhancing diplomatic ties between both countries.
“I am here as your landlord,” Wike said, noting that his presence was in his capacity as FCT Minister rather than as a representative of the Federal Government or Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The minister also used the occasion to urge embassies to develop lands allocated to them within the FCT, warning that undeveloped plots were vulnerable to encroachment by land grabbers.
He referenced a recent incident where land designated for diplomatic use was illegally occupied, stressing that authorities had intervened to reclaim the property.
“We have written to the embassies to come and take back their lands and develop them,” he said. “The law must take its course. Whether people like it or not, we will continue to do what is right.”
Wike further hinted at a possible visit to Ireland, noting his ties to Nigeria’s incoming ambassador to the country, former Nigerian Bar Association President, OCJ Okocha.
