Wike, EU deepen ties as FCT recovers encroached diplomatic lands

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Thursday restated Nigeria’s commitment to deepening its partnership with the European Union (EU) while unveiling efforts to reclaim diplomatic lands in Abuja allegedly taken over by illegal occupants.

Wike made the remarks during a courtesy visit by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, where both sides underscored the need for stronger cooperation amid emerging global challenges.

Reaffirming the federal government’s diplomatic priorities, the minister said Nigeria would continue to engage constructively with EU member states to consolidate long-standing ties.

“We will continue to relate with EU member countries in order to further strengthen the relationship between EU countries and Nigeria,” he said, noting that the commitment aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s broader foreign policy direction.

Addressing land administration issues in the FCT, Wike revealed that some plots originally allocated to European countries for diplomatic purposes had been illegally occupied. The FCT Administration, he said, has begun reclaiming the properties.
“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,” Wike explained.

He added that affected countries would be formally contacted to confirm whether they intend to retain the reclaimed plots.
“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 said.

The minister also commended the EU’s support to Nigeria, particularly in advancing justice sector reforms in the FCT, including digitalisation of court processes and institutional strengthening. He pledged continued collaboration to improve judicial service delivery.

Responding to a request from the EU delegation regarding land allocation for its local staff, Wike said the administration would consider the applications once the necessary documents were submitted, stressing that the individuals involved are Nigerian taxpayers deserving of fair treatment.

On infrastructure, Wike addressed concerns surrounding the IBB Golf Club, announcing that a caretaker committee had been set up and rehabilitation of the facility would soon commence.

Earlier, Ambassador Mignot reaffirmed the EU’s view of Nigeria as a critical strategic partner, noting that relations between both sides were entering “a more significant phase.”
He highlighted ongoing EU interventions in the FCT, including judicial reforms, digitalisation initiatives, human rights protection, and support for victims of gender-based violence.

Mignot also invited the FCT Administration to engage further with EU member states on collaborations in key areas such as waste management, water systems, and urban development.

The meeting underscored expanding cooperation between Nigeria and the EU, with both parties expressing readiness to deepen ties across governance, infrastructure, and institutional development.