By Our Correspondent

National News – The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Thursday reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening relations with the European Union while announcing fresh steps to recover diplomatic lands allegedly encroached upon by illegal developers in Abuja.

Wike made the announcement during a courtesy visit by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, at the Federal Capital Territory Administration.

The minister explained who is involved—Nigeria’s FCT administration and EU diplomatic missions—while outlining what the government plans to do: reclaim lands originally allocated to foreign embassies that were taken over by land grabbers.

According to him, the move forms part of broader efforts by the administration of Bola Tinubu to strengthen international partnerships and enforce lawful land use in the capital.

Wike said the FCT Administration had already begun removing illegal structures from affected plots.

He noted that some diplomatic lands allocated years ago had been unlawfully occupied by private developers who constructed buildings without approval from the Federal Capital Development Authority.

Explaining when and where the issue originated, the minister revealed that the land was initially allocated on March 18, 2008, to several diplomatic missions for residential use in Abuja’s diplomatic zone at Katampe Extension.

However, unauthorized developers allegedly encroached on the properties over time.

Addressing why the action became necessary, Wike said the government would not allow land grabbers to exploit diplomatic property meant for foreign missions.

He added that the administration is writing to the affected countries to confirm whether they still intend to use the lands, promising that genuine owners would regain them.

Diplomatic missions reportedly affected include Thailand, Bulgaria, Syria, Somalia, Serbia and Montenegro, Japan, Austria, Switzerland, Senegal, and the Palestine Liberation Organisation.

On how Nigeria intends to strengthen cooperation with Europe, Wike praised the EU for supporting justice reforms, court digitalisation, and human rights initiatives within the FCT.

He said the administration is open to expanding collaboration in areas such as urban development, water systems, and waste management.

In response, Mignot described Nigeria as a strategic partner for the EU, adding that the relationship between both sides is entering a deeper phase of trade, development, and governance cooperation.