Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said Nigeria will continue to ensure a safe working environment for members of the diplomatic community in Abuja to make the country’s capital rival others around the world. 

Mr Wike disclosed this during his address at the Saint Patrick’s Day reception and opening ceremony of the new Embassy of Ireland at the European Union Complex in Abuja on Wednesday.

He boasted that his administration had improved Abuja since he became FCT minister.

“For us here, we owe you a duty to make sure that we create the right environment. I want to assure you that we want to make Abuja look like other capital cities in the world. We will continue to provide an enabling environment to carry out your duties, especially in terms of security.

“Of course you will attest to it that things have improved in Abuja since this administration came on board. We will keep improving every day. Also, we are willing to partner with you to see how the relationship with Nigeria continues to grow,” the former Rivers State governor said. 

Republic of Ireland’s Minister of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Jack Chamber, Ambassador of Ireland to Nigeria, Peter Ryan, and other members of the diplomatic community in Nigeria were present at the event.

Speaking further, Mr Wike congratulated the Republic of Ireland on the opening of the newly built facility. He noted that he was considering visiting the European nation, citing the appointment of Joe Okocha, whom he called his uncle, as Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to the country.

“I am not representing the federal government. I am not representing the Foreign Affairs Ministry. I am here as the FCT Minister and I am here to speak as your landlord. Let me congratulate you on Saint Patrick’s Day and commissioning of this beautiful edifice. I have met the Ambassador once or twice, when he visited my office and he has been luring me to visit Ireland.

“Luckily again,  the new Ambassador Designate to Ireland is my uncle and my leader from my local government. He is former NBA President,  OCJ Okocha. I think God knows why I didn’t go. But now that someone I know very well, whose pedigree and capacity l can vouch for, has been appointed as the Ambassador,  this should be the right time to visit Ireland,” Mr Wike stated.