The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently intervene in what it describes as an impending diplomatic crisis following a threat by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to shut down 34 foreign embassies in Abuja over unpaid ground rents.
In a statement shared via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, SERAP expressed serious concern that Wike’s directive violates international diplomatic norms, particularly Article 22 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which guarantees the inviolability of diplomatic missions.
The FCT Administration had disclosed that embassies—among them those of China, Germany, India, South Africa, and the European Union—owe a combined total of over ₦3.66 million in ground rents. The debts reportedly range from as low as ₦150 to over ₦1.7 million. The FCT minister had issued a 14-day ultimatum on May 26 for settlement of the rents, warning of enforcement measures, including potential sealing of properties, once the grace period lapses—which, according to the report, expires today (Monday).
While acknowledging the Nigerian government's legitimate authority to collect revenue, SERAP cautioned that such efforts must not contravene international treaties or jeopardize diplomatic relations.
“President Tinubu must act swiftly to restrain the FCT minister and uphold Nigeria’s international obligations. Enforcement actions against diplomatic missions could provoke retaliatory measures, harm Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives, and damage the country’s international reputation,” SERAP warned.
The organization urged the Tinubu administration to explore diplomatic channels for resolving the debt issue, including formal notifications and negotiation through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
As the deadline expires, all eyes are on the Presidency to see whether Wike will proceed with the enforcement or yield to growing calls for restraint and dialogue.