Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, on Thursday, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening ties with the European Union (EU) while outlining steps to recover and restore diplomatic lands in Abuja allegedly encroached upon by illegal occupants.
Wike spoke during a courtesy visit by the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, where both parties emphasised the importance of deepening bilateral cooperation amid evolving global challenges.
Highlighting the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and the EU, the minister said the Federal Government would sustain engagement with EU member states to consolidate existing partnerships.
“We will continue to relate with EU member countries in order to further strengthen the relationship between EU countries and Nigeria,” Wike said, noting that the partnership aligns with the broader vision of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
On land administration in the FCT, Wike disclosed that lands previously allocated to some European countries for diplomatic use had been unlawfully occupied over the years. He said the FCT Administration had commenced recovery of such 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,” he stated.
According to him, the administration would formally communicate with the affected countries to determine their continued interest, with a view to restoring ownership where applicable.
“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 added.
The minister also acknowledged the EU’s interventions in Nigeria, particularly in supporting justice sector reforms within the FCT, including the development and digitalisation of court processes.
He assured that the administration would continue to collaborate with the EU to enhance the delivery of justice.
“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 said.
Responding to a request by the EU delegation regarding land allocation for its local staff, the minister expressed openness to considering the applications upon submission of relevant documentation. He noted that the beneficiaries, as Nigerian taxpayers, deserve fair consideration.
On infrastructure, Wike also addressed concerns over the IBB Golf Club, stating that a caretaker committee had been established and that rehabilitation work on the facility would commence soon.
Earlier, Ambassador Mignot described Nigeria as a key strategic partner of the European Union, stressing that relations between both sides were entering a new phase of cooperation.
“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.
He outlined several EU-supported initiatives in the FCT, including programmes on judicial reform, digitalisation of the justice system, protection of human rights, and support for victims of gender-based violence.
Mignot also invited the FCT minister to engage with EU member states’ ambassadors to explore further collaboration in critical sectors such as waste management, water systems, and urban development.
The meeting highlighted growing alignment between Nigeria and the EU, with both sides expressing readiness to expand cooperation in governance, infrastructure, and institutional strengthening.
