Aigbe made his concerns public following a controversial initiative by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, who has sought to reclaim over 4 000 properties across Abuja for alleged unpaid ground rent. Among these properties are more than 30 foreign embassies, reportedly owing a combined total of approximately $2 million.

In an interview, Aigbe argued that the move contradicts the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which grants embassies inviolability and protection from interference by host countries.

He explained that Article 22 of the Convention clearly prohibits any local or federal authority in Nigeria from revoking or seizing embassy properties without diplomatic consent. “Embassies are sovereign entities, not tenants to the FCT administration,” Aigbe said.

He stressed that such disputes should be resolved through Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs rather than through unilateral enforcement by the FCT administration. “This is a matter between sovereign states, and must be handled accordingly,” he added.

Wike, who took office in 2023, has described the initiative as part of efforts to boost Nigeria’s internally generated revenue. However, several embassies claim they were not formally notified about the outstanding debts and dispute the allegations.

“There appears to be a significant lack of communication and due process,” Aigbe noted. “The current approach risks provoking unnecessary diplomatic tensions.”

The controversy gained further attention following the recent sealing of the Abuja headquarters of the opposition People’s Democratic Party, which was reopened only after intervention by President Bola Tinubu.

Aigbe warned that using embassies as examples in broader property enforcement could harm Nigeria’s international reputation. He called on President Tinubu to intervene and ensure the matter is resolved through proper diplomatic channels.

--ChannelAfrica--