President Bola Tinubu’s approval of plots of land in Abuja for Nigerian ambassadors and high commissioners-designate has triggered widespread debate over government priorities, with critics questioning the propriety of extending prime public assets to top officials amid worsening economic hardship across the country.
The disclosure was made on Wednesday by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, while hosting the diplomats at his official residence in Life Camp, Abuja, during a courtesy visit organised as part of their induction programme ahead of deployment to various foreign missions.
The delegation was led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dunoma Umar Ahmed.
According to Wike, President Tinubu approved the allocation to provide Nigerian diplomats with a permanent base in the Federal Capital Territory whenever they return home for consultations, official briefings and national 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 told the envoys.
But the announcement immediately ignited criticism in several quarters, with many Nigerians arguing that the move reinforces perceptions of widening inequality between the political elite and ordinary citizens struggling under the weight of economic reforms.
The controversy comes at a time when millions of Nigerians are grappling with soaring inflation, rising transport costs, expensive food prices, high electricity tariffs and worsening housing pressures following the removal of petrol subsidy.
A legal practitioner, Aron Enabule, warned that Abuja land remains one of Nigeria’s most valuable public assets and should be administered with strict transparency and equity, especially given long-standing allegations of preferential allocations to politically connected individuals.
He noted that the development could intensify scrutiny of the FCT Administration’s land allocation system under Wike, which has already generated public debate over revocations, demolitions and redevelopment policies in parts of the capital city.
Also, Prof. Douglas Dibie, a lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt, questioned the criteria for selecting beneficiaries, the size and location of the plots, whether the allocations are subsidised, and whether similar privileges would extend to career civil servants and lower-ranking foreign service officers.
For many observers, the issue goes beyond welfare support for diplomats and touches on broader concerns about governance priorities at a time when citizens are repeatedly urged to make sacrifices in the interest of economic recovery.
Despite the backlash, Wike defended the policy, insisting that Nigeria’s diplomats play strategic roles in projecting the country’s image and attracting investment opportunities.
“You are, in essence, the mirror of this country. The way the world sees you is the way it will see Nigeria”, the minister said.
He urged the envoys to complement President Tinubu’s foreign engagements by promoting Nigeria as an investment destination capable of attracting global partnerships and economic opportunities.
“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”, Wike stated.
The minister also pushed back against concerns in some international circles about Nigeria’s democratic trajectory, insisting the country remains committed to multi-party democracy.
“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 added.
Wike further used the occasion to showcase ongoing infrastructure projects across Abuja’s six area councils — Abaji, AMAC, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali — which he described as evidence of rapid transformation within the nation’s capital.
He particularly appealed to the diplomats to attract investors into agriculture and waste management, noting that large portions of arable land in Gwagwalada and Kwali remained under-utilised despite their economic potential.
“There is enormous potential in agriculture within the FCT, but investment is still limited. We need your support to unlock these opportunities,” he said.
The minister also disclosed ongoing development discussions involving Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the European Commission aimed at strengthening partnerships in key sectors within the FCT.
Expressing optimism about the country’s future, Wike declared that Nigeria would emerge stronger in the coming years.
“I remain confident that by 2027, Nigeria will be more peaceful, more united, and stronger as a nation”, he said.
Earlier in his remarks, Ahmed described Abuja as Nigeria’s diplomatic and administrative nerve centre, stressing that the ambassadors and high commissioners-designate were assuming office at a critical period in the country’s development.
“Our Ambassadors and High Commissioners have been entrusted with representing Nigeria at a pivotal moment in our nation’s development,” Ahmed said.
He noted that economic diplomacy, investment promotion and international engagement would remain central to their responsibilities abroad.
Ahmed also praised ongoing infrastructural improvements in the FCT, saying visible transformation in urban management and service delivery was helping to improve Nigeria’s international image.
Media Report