SERAP Urges Tinubu To Halt Embassy Shutdown Over Unpaid Ground Rents

Image Source : Punch Newspapers

  The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and prevent the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, from shutting down 34 foreign embassies in Abuja due to unpaid ground rents. The move, which has sparked diplomatic concerns, follows Wike’s directive to enforce payment on thousands of properties, including embassies, with outstanding dues ranging from 10 to 43 years.

Diplomatic Concerns And SERAP’s Appeal

- SERAP has warned that shutting down embassies would violate international law and diplomatic conventions, particularly Article 22 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
- The organization has urged Tinubu to direct Wike to withdraw the enforcement threat, emphasizing the need for diplomatic sensitivity in revenue collection.
- The FCT Administration had initially issued a 14-day grace period for embassies to settle their dues, which expired on June 9, 2025.

Embassies Affected And Debt Details

Among the embassies listed as defaulters are Ghana, Thailand, Côte d’Ivoire, Russia, Philippines, Netherlands, Turkey, Guinea, Ireland, Uganda, Iraq, Zambia, Tanzania, Germany, DR Congo, Venezuela, Korea, Trinidad and Tobago, Egypt, Chad, India, Sudan, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Indonesia, the European Union, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, China, South Africa, and Equatorial Guinea.

- Some embassies owe as little as 150 naira, while others have debts exceeding 1 million naira.
- The Zambia High Commission reportedly owes 1,189,990 naira, Indonesia’s Defence Attaché owes 1,718,211 naira, and China’s Economic and Commercial Counselor’s Office has an outstanding balance of 12,000 naira.

Government’s Position And Next Steps

The FCT minister’s directive, issued on May 26, targeted 4,794 properties, including embassies, with unpaid rents. However, following public outcry and diplomatic concerns, Tinubu intervened to grant a temporary grace period.

- The government is expected to review the situation and determine whether further extensions or alternative resolutions can be implemented.
- SERAP continues to advocate for a balanced approach that ensures compliance without violating diplomatic protocols.

Source: Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), Federal Capital Territory Administration, The Nigerian Voice