Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, yesterday declared that the era of land grabbers hijacking diplomatic properties in Abuja is over, as he unveiled moves to recover and return encroached plots belonging to European Union (EU) member states.
Wike spoke during a courtesy visit by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, stressing that the FCT Administration has already commenced action to repossess affected lands.
“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 said.
He assured that the recovered properties would be handed back to the rightful owners after due consultations.
“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 reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its long-standing relationship with the European Union, noting that deeper collaboration remains a priority of the Federal Government.
“We will continue to relate with EU member countries in order to further strengthen the relationship between EU countries and Nigeria,” he stated.
Wike further acknowledged the EU’s interventions in Nigeria, particularly in justice sector reforms in the FCT, including court digitalisation and institutional support.
“I am aware of your contributions… We will partner with you to advance these initiatives,” he said.
On requests for land allocation for EU local staff, the minister said the administration would consider the applications once the necessary documentation is submitted, noting that the beneficiaries are Nigerians who contribute to the system through taxes.
He also spoke on the IBB Golf Club, disclosing that a caretaker committee has been put in place, while plans are underway to rehabilitate the facility.
Earlier, Ambassador Mignot described Nigeria as a strategic partner of the EU, saying relations between both sides are entering a stronger phase.
“The European Union remains one of Nigeria’s foremost trade and development partners… our relationship is moving into a more significant phase,” he said.
He highlighted EU-backed programmes in the FCT, including judicial reforms, human rights initiatives, and support for victims of gender-based violence, while also calling for expanded cooperation in areas such as waste management, water systems, and urban development.
The meeting underscored growing collaboration between Nigeria and the EU, with both sides expressing readiness to deepen ties in governance, infrastructure, and institutional reforms.
