The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Thursday reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening ties with the European Union while announcing plans to recover diplomatic lands in Abuja that have allegedly been encroached upon.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, in Abuja, Wike highlighted the importance of ongoing cooperation between Nigeria and EU member states.
“We will continue to relate with EU member countries to further strengthen the relationship between EU countries and Nigeria,” he said, noting that the partnership is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s broader goals.
Wike also addressed the issue of land allocated to EU countries for diplomatic purposes.
He revealed that some plots had been unlawfully occupied over the years and said the FCT Administration had already begun recovering them.
“We discovered that some lands allocated to EU member countries were taken over by land grabbers. In recent weeks, we have moved to recover those lands by removing illegal structures,” he said.
The minister added that the government would reach out to the affected countries to clarify their intentions and restore ownership where necessary.
“We are writing to those countries. If they still intend to retain the lands, we are willing to return them. We will not allow land grabbers to take advantage,” Wike said.
He praised the EU’s contributions to Nigeria, particularly in supporting justice reforms in the FCT and improving court digitalisation.
“I am aware of your contributions, especially in strengthening the administration and dispensation of justice. We will partner with you to advance these initiatives,” Wike stated.
Regarding land for local EU staff, Wike said applications would be given fair consideration once proper documentation is provided, emphasising that taxpayers should benefit from the process.
He also addressed infrastructure concerns at the IBB Golf Club, confirming that a caretaker committee had been established and that rehabilitation work would begin soon.
Mignot described Nigeria as a vital strategic partner for the EU, noting that the relationship is entering a deeper phase.
“The European Union remains one of Nigeria’s foremost trade and development partners. Our relationship is strong and mutually beneficial, and it is now moving into a more significant phase,” he said.
Mignot outlined EU-supported initiatives in the FCT, including judicial reform, digitalisation of courts, human rights protection, and support for victims of gender-based violence.
He invited Wike to engage with EU member states’ ambassadors to explore additional collaboration in areas such as waste management, urban development, and water systems.
Recently, the minister ordered the demolition of buildings illegally constructed on land allocated to foreign embassies in the diplomatic zone of Katampe Extension in Abuja.
According to the minister, the land had originally been allocated on March 18, 2008, to several diplomatic missions for residential purposes, but was later taken over by an illegal developer who began construction without approval from the Federal Capital Development Authority.
He listed the diplomatic missions affected by the development to include Thailand, Bulgaria, Syria, Somalia, Serbia and Montenegro, Japan, Austria, Switzerland, Senegal and the Palestine Liberation Organisation.
PUNCH.
