Stop Wike from Closing 34 Embassies Over Ground Rent Dispute, SERAP Tells Tinubu 🇳🇬🌍
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently intervene and stop the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, from sealing off 34 embassies and international organizations over alleged failure to pay ground rents.
In a public statement, SERAP urged the president to explore diplomatic and lawful means to resolve the issue, emphasizing that such drastic action could damage Nigeria’s foreign relations and reputation.
“Shutting down diplomatic missions over financial disputes undermines international norms and could trigger reciprocal actions from affected countries,” SERAP warned, while also calling for transparency and due process in managing public revenue.
Wike had recently issued warnings to embassies and high commissions over unpaid land use charges, threatening enforcement if payments were not made. However, SERAP insists that international diplomacy requires dialogue, not confrontation.
The group is also asking for the publication of all ground rent debts owed by public and private entities in Abuja to ensure fairness and accountability in the FCT’s revenue drive.
As tensions rise, many are watching to see how the presidency will respond to this delicate situation.
