Wike Pledges Land For EU Staff, Partnership On Justice Reform

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has pledged to allocate land to local staff of the European Union delegation and vowed to recover lands illegally seized from member countries.

Wike made this known on Thursday while speaking during a courtesy visit led by Ambassador Gautier Mignot, head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS.

He emphasised the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and the EU, affirming his commitment to strengthening ties under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

“I appreciate and thank you for this wonderful visit. I didn’t know when I saw you last time; you did say you were waiting for us to pay a call. I very much cherish it.

“As I said, the European Union is the EU Department. I have had a very long relationship with the EU. And I do know the high respect and Mr President’s hopes as far as the EU is concerned,” he said.

The minister, while addressing a key request from the delegation, directed the EU to submit a list of its Nigerian staff seeking land allocations, assuring them of swift action.

He noted that as taxpayers contributing to the nation, they deserved the benefit.

“If you have the list, we would greatly oblige you, so that the local staff will feel bad. Not necessarily that they are paying their taxes, but they’re also Nigerians.

“They are also Nigerians, so they are taxed. If they wish to have plots, so if I have the list, I’ll try and do the needful,” he said.

Wike also used the platform to address recent land recovery efforts in the capital, explaining that his administration had demolished illegal structures erected on plots originally allocated to several European countries for diplomatic residences, some dating back to 2007.

“We discovered that land allocations were made to most EU member countries for their diplomatic residences, for their staff.

“Somehow, since 2007 or 2008, I do not know what happened. But we tried to identify some land grabbers, and there was an opportunity to take over the land.

“I am waiting to be brought back to those countries that are affected.

I think I know Switzerland; I know its land is there. Well, four or five European countries are involved,” he said.

He added that his office would formally reach out to the affected nations to confirm if they still intend to retain the plots.

On the judiciary, Wike expressed gratitude for the EU’s intervention in the FCT High Court, vowing to partner further to enhance the administration of justice.

He also touched on the ongoing issues at the IBB Golf Club, noting that President Tinubu had personally called him to ensure the facility’s rehabilitation and reopening.

“I wanted a contract with Julius Berger to rehabilitate, particularly the clubhouse, and so on. So I am going to show you the first week of this effort,” he said.

Earlier, Ambassador Gautier Mignot described the EU-Nigeria relationship as entering a significant phase, following the recent 8th EU–Nigeria Ministerial Dialogue.

He noted that with 19 EU member states represented in Abuja, the European presence in the FCT is robust and growing.

“It is truly an honour for me and my team to meet with you today, and we deeply appreciate the opportunity to engage with you and your colleagues.

“Given that we are all based here in Abuja, at the heart of the Federal Capital Territory, we consider you, in many respects, as our minister as well,” he said.

Mignot highlighted the EU’s ongoing support for the FCT, particularly in the justice sector, including the digitalisation of court processes, support for sexual assault referral centres, and the establishment of disability desks within FCT institutions.

He also formally invited the minister to a regular meeting with EU member state ambassadors to explore deeper collaboration in waste management, water management, and urban development.

Regarding the local staff land applications, the ambassador noted that 43 Nigerian employees of the EU delegation, some of whom have had applications pending since 2007, collectively contributed over ₦500 million in taxes last year.

Mignot inquired about the reopening of the IBB Golf Club on behalf of the diplomatic community, a matter Wike assured was being addressed with urgency.