By Sarah NEGEDU
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has assured the diplomatic community that Abuja remains a secure and well-regulated capital, as the FCT Administration is intensifying efforts to match the standards of leading world capital
Speaking at the European Union Complex during the Saint Patrick’s Day reception and the official opening of the new Embassy of Ireland, the minister said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was working assiduously to improve the infrastructure, security and general outlook of Nigeria’s capital city.
He said, “For us here, we owe you a duty to make sure that we create the right environment. I want to assure you that we want to make Abuja to look like other capital cities in world.
“We will continue to provide an enabling environment to carry out your duties, especially in terms of security. Of course you will attest to it that things have improved in Abuja since this administration came on board. We will keep improving everyday.
“Also, we are willing to partner with you to see how the relationship with Nigeria continue to grow,” he said.
Wike congratulated the Irish Ambassador, Peter Ryan, on the Saint Patrick’s Day and the unveiling of the new embassy building, stressing that he was speaking strictly in his capacity as the FCT Minister and not as a representative of the Federal Government.
In his words, “I am not representing the Federal Government. I am not representing 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 the Saint Patrick’s Day and commissioning of this beautiful edifice.”
The Minister also hinted of a possible visit to Ireland, noting his personal connection with the Ambassador-Designate. “I have met the Ambassador once or twice, when he visited my office and he has been luring me to visit Ireland. Luckily again, the new Ambassador Designate to Ireland is my uncle and my leader from my local government. He is former NBA President, OCJ Okocha. I think God knows why I didn’t go since. But now that someone I know very well, whose pedigree and capacity l can vouch for has been appointed as the Ambassador, this should be the right time to visit the Ireland.”
Turning to issues of land administration, the minister restated that embassies must develop plots allocated to them, so as to stem the activities land grabbers and encroachers.
“You saw what happened recently when land allocated to embassies was cornered by a land grabber, who was building houses on the land because the embassies didn’t develop it.
“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.
“We have written to the embassies to come and collect their land back and develop it.”
The event brought together senior officials of the Republic of Ireland, including the Minister of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Jack Chambers, the Ambassador of Ireland to Nigeria, Peter Ryan, and other members of the diplomatic corps.
