, Nyesom Wike, has reassured the diplomatic community in Abuja that the government remains dedicated){kind=link}
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reassured the diplomatic community in Abuja that the government remains dedicated to fostering a supportive environment for their operations, particularly regarding their safety.
Speaking on Wednesday at the European Union Complex in Abuja during the Saint Patrick’s Day Reception and the official opening of the new Irish Embassy, the minister pledged that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is committed to elevating Abuja to the standard of leading global capitals.
The gathering featured notable guests, including Ireland’s Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Reform, and Digitalisation, Mr. Jack Chambers, alongside the Irish Ambassador to Nigeria, Peter Ryan, and various other diplomats.
“For us here, we owe you a duty to make sure that we create the right environment,” Wike stated.
“We want to ensure that Abuja looks like other capital cities in the world. We will keep providing the right support and conditions so you can do your job, especially when it comes to safety. Of course you’ll agree that things have gotten better in Abuja since this administration took over. We will keep improving everyday.
“Additionally, we are open to partnering with you to see how the relationship with Nigeria continues to develop,” he added.
The minister expressed his gratitude to the Irish Ambassador for the Saint Patrick’s Day festivities and for reaching the milestone of completing the new embassy facility.
He remarked, “I am not representing the Federal Government. I am not representing the Foreign Affairs Ministry. I am here as the FCT Minister and I am here to speak as your landlord. Let me congratulate you on Saint Patrick’s Day and the completion of this beautiful building.”
Wike also suggested that a trip to Ireland might be on the horizon, noting, “I’ve met the ambassador a couple of times when he came to my office, and he’s been encouraging me to visit Ireland.
“Luckily again, the new ambassador designate to Ireland is my uncle and my leader from my local government. He was the former NBA President, OCJ Okocha. I think God knows the reason I didn’t go. But now that someone I know very well, whose pedigree and capacity I can vouch for, has been appointed as the ambassador, this should be the right time to visit Ireland.”
Turning to urban management, the minister urged foreign missions to develop the plots of land assigned to them within the FCT. He referenced a recent incident where a land grabber attempted to build on embassy-allocated land that had been left dormant.
“Of course you know me very well, the law must take its course. We had to let them know that we can’t take anymore. My face might not be liked by a lot of people, but I don’t mind. I’ll keep doing what I think is right. We have written to the embassies to come and reclaim their land for development,” Wike concluded.