Wike diplomatic lands recovery plan targets illegal structures in Abuja while strengthening Nigeria’s ties with the European Union

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Thursday reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening relations with the European Union while announcing a firm crackdown on the unlawful occupation of diplomatic lands in Abuja.

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Wike made the declaration during a courtesy visit by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, stating that the Federal Capital Territory Administration had begun recovering plots allocated to foreign missions but allegedly taken over by land grabbers.

“We will continue to relate with EU member countries to further strengthen the relationship between EU countries and Nigeria,” Wike said, aligning the engagement with the broader foreign policy direction of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Addressing the encroachment issue, the minister disclosed that several diplomatic plots had been illegally occupied over the years, prompting decisive government action.

“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 Wike diplomatic lands recovery initiative, he added, would include formal communication with affected countries to determine whether they still intend to retain the allocations.

Where interest is confirmed, the government would restore rightful ownership.

“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,” he stated.

Wike also acknowledged the EU’s contributions to governance and judicial reforms in the FCT, particularly in court digitalisation and justice delivery, describing the partnership as impactful and evolving.

In response, Mignot described Nigeria as a strategic partner, noting that relations with the EU are entering a deeper and more significant phase.

He highlighted ongoing EU-supported programmes, including judicial reform, human rights initiatives, and support for victims of gender-based violence.

The ambassador further invited the minister to engage with EU member states’ envoys to explore expanded cooperation in areas such as urban development, waste management and water systems.

Separately, Wike confirmed that a caretaker committee had been constituted for the IBB Golf Club, with rehabilitation works expected to commence soon as part of broader infrastructure improvements in the capital.

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The move to reclaim encroached diplomatic lands follows recent demolitions of unauthorised structures in Katampe Extension, where properties had reportedly been erected on plots originally allocated to foreign missions without approval from the Federal Capital Development Authority.