In a post shared Monday on X (formerly Twitter), SERAP warned that any such move would violate international law and diplomatic norms. The organization cited Article 22 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which guarantees the inviolability of diplomatic missions and prohibits their premises from being subjected to search, requisition, attachment, or execution.
“President Tinubu should urgently caution and direct the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to immediately withdraw the threat to close down 34 embassies in Abuja,” SERAP stated.
Article 22, paragraph 1 of the Vienna Convention affirms that, “the premises of the mission shall be inviolable,” while paragraph 3 adds that mission property is immune from legalenforcement actions such as requisition or execution.
The controversy stems from a recent announcement by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) revealing that at least 34 embassies have failed to pay ground rents on their Abuja properties, some dating back to 2014.
Embassies listed among the defaulters include those of China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Ghana, Germany, India, the European Union, and several others. Some debts are as small as ₦150, while others, like that of Zambia’s High Commission (₦1.18 million), Indonesia’s Defence Attaché (₦1.71 million), and China’s Economic and Commercial Office (₦12,000), are significantly higher.
FCT Minister Wike had on May 26 directed enforcement actions against 4,794 properties with unpaid rents—embassies included—with penalties ranging between ₦2 million and ₦3 million, depending on location.
However, following widespread backlash and concerns over diplomatic fallout, President Tinubu stepped in, granting a 14-day grace period that expires today (Monday).
While SERAP acknowledged the FCTA’s efforts to boost internally generated revenue, it cautioned that enforcement must remain within the bounds of international diplomatic law.
