...To Reopen IBB Golf Course Soon
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has expressed Nigeria’s commitment to closer partnership with the European Union.
Barr. Wike who stated this in Abuja on Thursday when he hosted a delegation of the European Union led by European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Gautier Mignot on a courtesy visit to his office, said the Federal Government would sustain engagement with EU member states to consolidate existing partnerships.
"The European Union is the highest partner as far as Nigeria is concerned, I've had a very long relationship with the EU. And I do know the high respect Mr. President's has as far as the EU is concerned.
"We will make sure that we keep to that tempo to continue to relate with EU member countries in order to further strengthen the relationship that exists between EU countries and Nigeria," he said in a statement by the Deputy Director, Press, Office of the Minister, Rabi Musa Umar.
While reaffirming the FCT Administration’s support for the diplomatic community, the Minister disclosed that the government recently recovered and restored diplomatic lands in Abuja allocated to some European countries for staff accommodation but illegally encroached upon by illegal occupants.
“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, adding that the countries affected would be communicated to established their continued interest in the allocations.
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.
Responding to a request for the reopening of the IBB Golf Club, the Minister said that a caretaker committee had already been set up to address the issue.
"I awarded a contract to Julius Berger to rehabilitate, particularly the clubhouse, and some other surroundings there. I can assure you that the first week of this April, Julius Berger will move to site, so please plead with your friends and colleagues and EU members that soon, it will be open for them to play their golf" he said.
On request for land allocation for local staff residence, the Minister expressed willingness to consider the request, noting that the beneficiaries, as Nigerian taxpayers, deserve fair consideration.
Earlier, Ambassador Mignot had expressed delight at the development going on in the FCT, and revealed the desire of the EU to attract more European investments into the Federal Capital.
"Abuja is a great place for investment, and there are many opportunities for investment in Abuja.
“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”.
The EU Envoy 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 emphasized growing alignment between Nigeria and the EU, with both sides expressing willingness to expand collaboration in governance, infrastructure, and institutional strengthening.