Nigeria has launched a new diplomatic duty-free village in Abuja in compliance with the United Nations Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations...

Nigeria has launched a new diplomatic duty-free village in Abuja in compliance with the United Nations Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations 1961, which exempts diplomats from income tax, VAT, or duty.

The project is a joint venture between the government and Nigerians in the Diaspora, who have invested in the project to create an enabling environment for diplomats in the country.

Speaking at the launch event, the Minister of Finance, Budget, and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, said the new diplomatic village would help the Nigerian government maintain a database of products imported by diplomats.

The facility, which includes a shopping center, recreational services, spa, eye center, restaurants, and others, is exclusively for diplomats and their households.

The Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Amb. Zubairu Dada, assured members of the diplomatic community of their safety and said that the facility would reduce the volume of diplomatic shipments into the country. The facility is a one-stop shopping center that takes care of all the needs of diplomats in Abuja.

The Managing Director of the Diplomatic Village, Uche Odozor, noted that the facility would help the country retain capital and create economic opportunities for the Nigerian youth.

He said diplomats would now be encouraged to spend their income and allowances in Nigeria, thereby increasing local production and fabrication of products and enhancing the creative skills of the Nigerian youth.

Odozor also said the village would showcase creative works of art by internally displaced persons (IDPs) for purchase by diplomats, with the proceeds going to the displaced persons.

The establishment of the Diplomatic Duty-Free Village is a clear indication of the government's commitment to creating an enabling environment for diplomats and boosting the Nigerian economy.