The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA)’s threat to seal foreign embassies over unpaid ground rent has drawn fierce backlash from legal luminary Femi Falana, who warns that such action could trigger a diplomatic crisis. As Minister Nyesom Wike enforces compliance, the question arises: Can Nigeria afford to strain international relations over property fees?
- FCTA’s Crackdown: Wike’s administration began sealing properties, including embassies, for non-payment of ground rent until President Tinubu intervened, granting a two-week grace period.
- Falana’s Warning: Invoking the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, Falana stressed that embassies enjoy immunity, even from rent disputes, and sealing them would violate international law.
- Diplomatic Risks: Retaliatory actions, such as Nigerian missions abroad facing similar treatment, could harm bilateral ties and global perception.
- Legal Precedent: Falana cited that even criminals cannot be pursued onto embassy grounds, underscoring the sanctity of diplomatic spaces.
- Tinubu’s Dilemma: The president’s reprieve hints at balancing revenue drives with foreign policy pragmatism.
For Nigerians, this highlights the tension between enforcing local laws and maintaining global goodwill, a delicate dance for a country reliant on foreign investment and diaspora remittances.
Should Nigeria prioritize revenue collection over diplomatic relations, or is there a middle ground?
