The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has assured members of the diplomatic community of adequate security and a conducive environment for their operations in Abuja.
Wike gave the assurance on Thursday during a Saint Patrick’s Day reception and the official opening of the new Embassy of Ireland at the European Union Complex in Abuja.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the minister said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to transforming Abuja into a globally competitive capital city.
He emphasised that the government has a responsibility to create an enabling environment for diplomats to operate effectively, expressing confidence that Abuja will continue to improve as a capital city of international standard.
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Wike added that security and general conditions in the Federal Capital Territory have improved under the current administration and pledged that efforts would be sustained to enhance safety for residents and foreign missions.
The minister also urged embassies to develop plots of land allocated to them, warning that undeveloped lands could be vulnerable to encroachment by land grabbers.
He disclosed that the government had already contacted affected embassies to reclaim and develop their properties, stressing that laws would be enforced against illegal occupants.
Describing himself as the “landlord” of the diplomatic community in Abuja, Wike clarified that his remarks were made strictly in his capacity as FCT Minister.
He congratulated Ireland’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Peter Ryan, on the country’s national day and the inauguration of its new embassy building.
The event was attended by Ireland’s Minister of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Jack Chambers, alongside other diplomats and dignitaries.
Wike also hinted at the possibility of an official visit to Ireland, following an invitation from the ambassador, noting that the timing may now be appropriate.
