The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has given the diplomatic community a firm assurance of a secure and conducive environment for their operations in Abuja.
Speaking at the European Union Complex during the Saint Patrick’s Day reception and the inauguration of the new Embassy of Ireland, Wike emphasized the FCT Administration’s commitment to supporting diplomatic activities.
In a statement released on Thursday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Mr Lere Olayinka, the minister highlighted ongoing efforts by President Bola Tinubu’s administration to make Abuja a competitive and world-class capital.
“We owe you a duty to make sure that we create the right environment for you to work and thrive. I want to assure you that we want to make Abuja one of the best capital cities in the world,” Wike said.
He added, “We will continue to provide an enabling environment for you to carry out your duties, especially in terms of security.
“Of course, you will attest to the fact that things have improved in Abuja since Tinubu’s administration came on board. We will keep improving every day.”
Wike further reaffirmed the FCT Administration’s desire to strengthen collaboration with the diplomatic corps.
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He congratulated the Ambassador of Ireland to Nigeria, Peter Ryan, on the occasion of Saint Patrick’s Day and the commissioning of the new embassy building.
Clarifying his role, the minister noted that he was speaking in his capacity as FCT Minister and “landlord” of the diplomatic community, rather than as a representative of the Federal Government or Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He also advised embassies to develop the plots of land allocated to them to prevent encroachment by land grabbers.
“Of course, you know me very well, the law must take its course. We had to tell them enough is enough. My face may not be liked by many people, I don’t care, I will continue to do what is right,” he stated.
Wike revealed that the FCT Administration has contacted affected embassies to reclaim and develop their lands.
On a personal note, the minister hinted at a potential visit to Ireland following an invitation from Ambassador Ryan, explaining, “I think God knows why I haven’t visited earlier.
“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.”
The event also drew the attendance of Ireland’s Minister of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Jack Chambers, alongside other members of the diplomatic community.