The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to direct the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to halt the threat to shut down 34 embassies in Abuja.
The organisation disclosed this in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, warning that such action would violate international law and diplomatic conventions. “President Tinubu should urgently caution and direct the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to immediately withdraw the threat to close down 34 embassies in Abuja.”
According to SERAP, the purported threat contravenes Article 22 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Article 22, paragraph 1, of the Vienna Convention states that “[t]he premises of the mission shall be inviolable.”
Article 22, paragraph 3, of the Vienna Convention sets out that “[t]he premises of the mission, their furnishings and other property thereon and the means of transport of the mission shall be immune from search, requisition, attachment or execution.”
SERAP call comes following recent revelations by the Federal Capital Territory Administration that at least 34 embassies in Abuja owe ground rents dating as far back as 2014.
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Here is a completely rewritten version of the content, using a different structure and wording while preserving the factual meaning, tailored in UK English: The Port City News learnt that multiple foreign missions in Nigeria’s capital have accrued unpaid ground rents. Amounting to more than N3.66 million, according to fresh reports.
A broad list of defaulting embassies includes those representing Ghana, Thailand, Côte d’Ivoire, Russia, and the Philippines. The Netherlands, Turkey, Guinea, Ireland, Uganda, and Iraq. Zambia, Tanzania, Germany, DR Congo, Venezuela, South Korea, Trinidad and Tobago, Egypt, Chad.
Also India, Sudan, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and the European Union. Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, China, South Africa, and Equatorial Guinea.
The outstanding amounts vary significantly. While some missions owe less than N200, others face debts of over N1 million. Notable high-profile defaulters include the Zambian High Commission with arrears totalling N1,189,990.
Indonesia’s Defence Attaché with N1,718,211, and China’s Economic and Commercial Counsellor’s Office, reportedly owing N12,000.
On 26 May, Wike issued a directive targeting 4,794 properties in Abuja for enforcement, citing unpaid rents stretching from 10 to 43 years. Foreign missions were not excluded from the order.
However, following backlash and concerns about diplomatic repercussions, Tinubu stepped in, offering a 14-day grace period, which is scheduled to lapse today (Monday).
Meanwhile, the Director of Lands at the FCTA, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, indicated that embassies and other affected entities may face penalty charges of up to N2 million or N3 million, depending on the location of their premises.
In response, SERAP acknowledged the necessity of collecting public revenue but urged the government to ensure that such enforcement actions remain consistent with international diplomatic obligations.
