Falana Warns Against Sealing Embassies Over Unpaid Ground Rent
Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has advised Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, against sealing off embassies and foreign missions in Abuja over unpaid ground rents, citing international law and constitutional protections.
Falana’s warning comes after the FCT Administration published a list of 9,000 property owners, including 34 embassies, allegedly in default of ground rent payments.
The administration had threatened to repossess affected lands and seal properties, but President Bola Tinubu intervened, granting a 14-day grace period that expired on June 6, 2025.
According to Falana, diplomatic premises are protected under the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations. “Invading an embassy would lead to serious diplomatic problems for Nigeria,” he emphasized.
Falana questioned the legal basis of Wike’s directive, stating that it contradicts Nigerian law and international conventions.
He stressed that defaulters must be given the opportunity to make representations before action is taken, as guaranteed by Section 36 of the Constitution and Article 7 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights Act.
The human rights lawyer urged Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to intervene and advise Wike accordingly.
Falana emphasized that while ground rent debts are a legitimate concern, enforcement must follow lawful procedures, and the rule of law must prevail.
Falana suggested that aggrieved property owners, including embassies, should seek redress through the Urban and Regional Planning Tribunal, which has jurisdiction over demolition and property sealing matters.
By emphasizing the importance of lawful procedures, Falana underscored the need for the FCT administration to respect diplomatic immunity and the rule of law in resolving ground rent disputes.
