President Bola Tinubu has approved the allocation of prime residential land in the Federal Capital Territory to several high-profile supporters, including Femi Fani-Kayode and Reno Omokri, following their recent appointments as special envoys.
The move, detailed in a memo from the Ministry of Federal Capital Territory, comes as the presidency moves to formalize the roles of the outspoken political influencers within the administration’s diplomatic and media framework. The allocations, located in the prestigious Maitama and Asokoro districts, are reportedly intended to facilitate the “effective discharge” of their new duties.
Wike disclosed this while receiving the diplomats during a courtesy visit at his official residence in Life Camp, Abuja, as part of an induction programme for the envoys.
He said the decision is aimed at ensuring Nigeria’s overseas representatives have accommodation in the capital whenever they return for consultations and official assignments
“The President believes that most of you do not have a place in Abuja… he will encourage you to see how you will put up where you can stay. Before you leave this morning, each and every one of you should have your form to apply for a land allocation in Abuja,” Wike said.
The minister also urged the envoys to defend the country’s image abroad and promote Nigeria as a destination for investment.
“You are, in essence, the mirror of this country. The way the world sees you is the way it will see Nigeria,” he said.
Wike said President Tinubu’s foreign engagements are focused on attracting investment and partnerships, adding that the diplomats must complement those efforts.
“Mr President has travelled extensively to attract investment and partnerships. It is now your role to reinforce that effort by building confidence in Nigeria as a viable destination for investment,” the minister stated.
On concerns over the nation’s democracy, Wike said, “Nigeria remains a multi-party democracy. There is no plan to turn the country into a one-party state. You must communicate this clearly wherever you serve.”
He also highlighted investment opportunities in agriculture and waste management within the FCT, particularly in Gwagwalada and Kwali, describing the areas as largely untapped.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dunoma Umar Ahmed, said, “Our Ambassadors and High Commissioners have been entrusted with representing Nigeria at a pivotal moment in our nation’s development,” adding that economic diplomacy and investment promotion would be central to their duties.
President Tinubu had earlier approved the deployment of 65 ambassadors whose nominations were confirmed last December, assigning them to their respective host countries.
