Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has cautioned the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) against sealing off foreign embassies in Abuja over non-payment of ground rent.
Falana issued the warning while speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, stressing that such actions could trigger a serious diplomatic crisis for Nigeria.
The FCTA, under the leadership of Minister Nyesom Wike, had recently begun sealing off properties over unpaid ground rent. The move, however, sparked widespread public outcry, prompting President Bola Tinubu to intervene. In response, Minister Wike announced a two-week grace period for defaulters to settle their debts.
Falana, however, maintained that embassies are protected under international law and cannot be subjected to such enforcement measures.
“No court of law can order that execution be levied on any embassy,” Falana stated. “Nigeria is part of the international community. If we invade the embassy of any country, it will result in a serious diplomatic crisis. It is not allowed under international law.”
Citing the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, Falana explained that embassies and diplomatic missions enjoy immunity from such actions.
“Even if someone commits an offence and runs into an embassy, the police cannot enter to arrest the person. Embassies are sovereign territories, and Nigeria must respect that.”
He urged the FCTA to explore diplomatic channels in resolving ground rent disputes with foreign missions.
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