WIKE REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO ENABLING CONDUCTIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR DIPLOMATS
By: Wisdom Acka
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed government commitment to ensuring a secure and conducive environment for the diplomatic community in the nation’s capital.
He made the pledge on Wednesday, 18 March, 2026, while speaking at the European Union Complex during Saint Patrick’s Day reception and the official opening of the new Embassy of Ireland in Abuja.
Wike assured diplomats that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is working tirelessly to elevate Abuja to the standards of other global capital cities.
Wike emphasized government’s focus on security, noting visible improvements since the current administration took office.
“We will continue to provide an enabling environment for you to carry out your duties, especially in terms of security. You can attest that thing have improved, and we will keep making progress every day,” he assured.
The event was attended by high-profile dignitaries, including Ireland’s Minister of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform, and Digitalisation, Mr. Jack Chambers, and the Ambassador of Ireland to Nigeria, Peter Ryan.
Wike also urged embassies to develop lands allocated to them, citing a recent incident where a land grabber attempted to seize undeveloped embassy property.
Insisting that “the law must take its course,” the Minister disclosed that the FCT Administration has “written to the concerned embassies to reclaim and develop their lands.”
He hinted at a possible visit to Ireland, to be facilitated by the newly appointed Nigerian Ambassador-Designate to Ireland, OCJ Okocha, a respected legal luminary and his kinsman.
“The Ambassador has been persuading me to visit, and now that my uncle is heading there, it feels like the right time,” he said.
The Minister concluded by congratulating Ireland on its national day and the new embassy, reinforcing Nigeria’s willingness to strengthen bilateral ties with the country.
