The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene and stop the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, from executing a threat to shut down 34 foreign embassies in Abuja over unpaid ground rent.
SERAP’s statement follows the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s (FCTA) recent disclosure that dozens of embassies have defaulted on rent payments, some dating back to 2014.
Embassies allegedly in default include those of Ghana, Russia, Germany, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, India, China, Ethiopia, the European Union, Switzerland, and several others across Asia, Europe, and Africa.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, SERAP described the move as a violation of international diplomatic protections, particularly the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
“President Tinubu should urgently caution and direct the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to immediately withdraw the threat to close down 34 embassies in Abuja,” the group said.
SERAP cited Article 22 of the Vienna Convention, which states that diplomatic premises are inviolable and immune from “search, requisition, attachment, or execution.”
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Wike, in a directive issued on May 26, had ordered enforcement action on 4,794 properties in Abuja over unpaid ground rents dating as far back as four decades. The embassies were listed among other defaulters, with penalties ranging between N2 million and N3 million, depending on property location.
The FCTA’s Director of Land, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, had earlier confirmed that demand notices were served, and a list of defaulting properties—including diplomatic missions—was compiled for enforcement.
As diplomatic tensions loom, SERAP emphasized that Nigeria must respect its obligations under international law and avoid actions that could damage diplomatic relations or attract sanctions.
This development comes amid growing concerns about governance transparency, accountability, and Nigeria’s compliance with global diplomatic norms.